On November 22, the next installment of the BGT series will start. Australia hasn’t won a Test series against India in nearly a decade, and the rivalry between these two countries is at an all-time high and only getting more intense. In contrast, India just lost to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and the World Test Championship final. This time, though, it’s more than just the trophy or bragging rights because their place in the WTC final will be determined.
Prior to the highly anticipated series, a number of Australian players had stated their intention to perform well against India, and many of them succeeded in doing so. After losing a home Test series to New Zealand earlier in the month, it would be challenging for the visitors. Furthermore, Shubman Gill and captain Rohit Sharma are anticipated to miss
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The opening Test match in Perth. The team has overcome the odds in the past and is hoping to win again, even if they are not the favourites right now.
Meanwhile, here’s a look at all the venues of BGT 2024-25:
1. Optus Stadium, Perth – November 22-26
India has played one Test match in Perth’s new stadium. Despite star batsman Virat Kohli’s century, the visitors lost by 146 runs in the match. The better bowling unit will probably get the last laugh this time around because they are creating a pace-friendly pitch. Approximately 60,000 people can fit in the stadium, and according to resorts, the first Test will be a full event.
Leading run-scorer since 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (519 at 103.80)
Leading wicket-taker since 2018-19: Nathan Lyon (27 at 18.00)
Average first innings of match total since 2018-19: 456
Australia since 2018: Match – 4, Won – 4, Lost – 0
2. Adelaide Oval – December 6-10
The last time India played a Test match, they were bowled out for 36 runs in Adelaide. The gamers that played that game will undoubtedly remember their terrifying past. In particular, the Adelaide match will double as the Day-Night Test. It’s concerning that the Rohit Sharma-led team hasn’t played many pink ball Tests lately. At Adelaide Oval, India has participated in 13 Test matches, winning two and losing eight.
Leading run-scorer since 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (574 at 71.75)
Leading wicket-taker since 2018-19: Mitchell Starc (30 at 17.20)
Average first innings total since 2018-19: 375
Australia since 2018: Match – 6, Won – 5, Lost – 1
3. The Gabba, Brisbane – December 14-18
At the Gabba in January 2021, India ended Australia’s 32-year winning streak. Thanks to the genius of Shamar Joseph, the West Indies later triumphed there as well. Meanwhile, Gabba is no longer the “fortress” that Australia had long claimed. India has, however, played seven games in the stadium, winning one and losing five of them. The players’ confidence will be bolstered by the recent victory, though. In the meantime, the surface will be evenly distributed.
Leading run-scorer since 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (497 at 62.12)
Leading wicket-taker since 2018-19: Pat Cummins (36 at 17.25)
Average first innings total since 2018-19: 227
Australia since 2018: Match – 6, Won – 4, Lost – 2
4. Melbourne Cricket Ground – December 26-30
The Boxing Day Test will take place at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). As the batters have been struggling to assert their dominance, the ground has recently become a haven for the seamers. Both clubs’ pace units will be preparing for a fierce match. In the meantime, India has won four and lost eight of their fourteen Test matches at MCG. With more than 80,000 spectators every day for every Test, they have created several iconic on-field competitions over the years.
Leading run-scorer since 2018-19: David Warner (361 at 60.16)
Leading wicket-taker since 2018-19: Pat Cummins (31 at 15.41)
Average first innings total since 2018-19: 299
Australia since 2018: Match – 6, Won – 4, Lost – 2
5. Sydney Cricket Ground – January 3-7
The last match of the five-match series will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The visitors can consider playing both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja when the famous ground is in favour of the spinners. Aside from that, Sydney’s weather has been a spoiler in recent years. In contrast, India has only won one of their 13 games in Sydney and lost seven.
Leading run-scorer since 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (734 at 81.55)
Leading wicket-taker since 2018-19: Nathan Lyon (26 at 32.42)
Average first innings total since 2018-19: 436
Australia since 2018: Match – 7, Won – 3, Lost – 0, Draw – 4
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