DTVHINDI
The upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar series is scheduled to start from November 22. The rivalry between these two countries is currently at its highest level and is becoming more intense as Australia has not won a single Test series against India for almost the last 10 years. In contrast, India has recently lost to Australia in the World Test Championship final, ODI World Cup final in 2023.
Ahead of the marquee series, many Australian players have expressed their desire to perform well in the series against India. For the visitors, it will be difficult, especially after losing the home Test series to New Zealand at the beginning of the month. Additionally, captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are expected to miss the first Test in Perth. Team India is not the favorite in this series.
Here’s a look at all the venues of BGT 2024-25
1. Optus Stadium, Perth – November 22-26
India has played one Test in the new stadium in Perth. In that match, star batsman Virat Kohli scored a century but the visiting team lost the match by 146 runs. This time, they are preparing a pitch suited for fast bowlers and a better bowling order will get the advantage here. Meanwhile, the stadium can host around 60,000 spectators and according to reports, the stadium will be full to capacity during the first Test.
Top run-scorer from 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (519)
Top wicket taker bowler from 2018-19: Nathan Lyon (27)
First innings average of the match since 2018-19: 456
Australia since 2018: Matches – 4, Won – 4, Lost – 0
2. Adelaide Oval – December 6-10 (Adelaide Oval)
When India last played a Test match in Adelaide, India was out for 36 runs. India’s record on this ground is scary. He will definitely be in the minds of the players playing that match. That too because the Adelaide match will be a day-night test. The Rohit Sharma-led side has played very few pink-ball Tests recently and that is a worrying sign. Meanwhile, India have played 13 Test matches at the Adelaide Oval, winning two and losing eight.
Top run-scorer from 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (574)
Top wicket taker bowler from 2018-19: Mitchell Starc (30)
First innings average of the match since 2018-19: 375
Australia since 2018: Matches – 6, Won – 5, Lost – 1
3. The Gabba, Brisbane – December 14-18 (The Gabba Brisbane)
India broke Australia’s 32-year winning streak at the Gabba in January 2021. Later, West Indies won there too due to the brilliant bowling of Shamar Joseph. Meanwhile, the Gabba is no longer the ‘fortress’ that Australia claimed for years. However, India has played seven matches in this stadium, winning one and losing five. However, the previous win will boost the confidence of the players and they would like to repeat that performance this time too.
Top run-scorer from 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (497)
Top wicket taker bowler since 2018-19: Pat Cummins (36)
First innings average of the match since 2018-19: 227
Australia since 2018: Matches – 6, Won – 4, Lost – 2
4. Melbourne Cricket Ground – December 26-30 (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the Boxing Day Test. Recently, this ground has become extremely favorable for fast bowlers as the batsmen have struggled to score runs. The pace units of both the teams will be ready for an intense match. Meanwhile, India have played 14 Test matches at the MCG, winning four and losing eight. There is a possibility of 80,000 spectators in the ground during this match.
Top run-scorer from 2018-19: David Warner (361)
Top wicket taker bowler from 2018-19: Pat Cummins (31)
First innings average of the match since 2018-19: 299
Australia since 2018: Matches – 6, Won – 4, Lost – 2
5. Sydney Cricket Ground – January 3-7 (Sydney Cricket Ground)
Sydney Cricket Ground will host the final match of the five-match series. This prestigious ground usually helps spinners and hence the visiting team can think of playing both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Additionally, weather has spoiled many matches in Sydney over the years. Meanwhile, India have played 13 matches in Sydney, of which they have won only one and lost seven.
Top run-scorer from 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (734)
Top wicket taker bowler from 2018-19: Nathan Lyon (26)
First innings average of the match since 2018-19: 436
Australia since 2018: Matches – 7, Won – 3, Lost – 0, Drawn – 4
