The Battle of Giants: India vs Australia

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 is set to be a thrilling chapter in one of the fiercest rivalries in international cricket. As India travels to Australia for this prestigious five-match Test series starting November 22, 2024, fans are eagerly awaiting another high-stakes battle between two of the most formidable sides in world cricket.

However, this series has a significant twist—Rohit Sharma’s availability for the first Test remains uncertain. While Rohit is expected to join the squad for the second Test, India may start the series without their regular captain. The absence of Rohit could lead to Jasprit Bumrah stepping up as the captain for the opening Test match. Bumrah’s leadership potential, combined with his experience as India’s premier pacer, makes this an exciting development. It could offer a new dimension to India’s strategy in Australian conditions, with Bumrah’s calm demeanor and aggressive style potentially steering the team to new heights.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, including the full schedule, key players, and where and how to watch the series live.

The Rivalry: India vs Australia – A Historic Clash

The India-Australia Test rivalry is one of the most intense in modern cricket, filled with dramatic moments, iconic performances, and unforgettable matches. From India’s historic series win in Australia in 2021 to Australia’s dominance in 2018-19, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has consistently delivered high-quality cricket.

The 2024 series will be no exception, with both teams boasting world-class players and a fierce determination to win. India, having successfully conquered the Australian shores in recent years, will look to continue their dominance. On the other hand, Australia, known for its strength in home conditions, will aim to bounce back and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Rohit Sharma’s Absence: A New Leadership Era?

The biggest question mark going into the 2024 series is the status of Rohit Sharma’s participation. The Indian captain has not yet confirmed his availability for the first Test, and while he is expected to join the team for the second Test, India could start without him in the opening match at Opus Stadium, Perth.

In Rohit’s absence, Jasprit Bumrah is the frontrunner to take over the captaincy for the first Test. Bumrah has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the longest format and has led India’s bowling attack with distinction. His leadership style—calm, composed, and aggressive—could provide a fresh dynamic to the team.

Bumrah’s potential as a captain adds an intriguing subplot to the series. His leadership will be tested in challenging Australian conditions, where tactical decisions around bowling rotations, field placements, and managing the pressure of Test cricket will be crucial.

India’s success in the first Test could depend heavily on how well Bumrah adapts to the captaincy role. The likes of KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ravichandran Ashwin could also play pivotal roles in providing leadership support in the absence of Rohit.

Also Read:-How To Watch The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Live From Anywhere?

Australia’s Adaptation: No Warner, But Still Dangerous

Australia enters the series in a state of transition. With David Warner’s retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, the team will need to adapt to life without their star opener. Warner has been a fixture in Australian cricket for over a decade, and his absence leaves a gap at the top of the order.

Usman Khawaja and Travis Head are expected to shoulder the responsibility at the top. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, two of the best Test batsmen in the world, will be crucial in providing stability in the middle order.

Australia’s bowling attack remains as formidable as ever, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon leading the charge. The Australian conditions—bouncy, fast tracks that tend to favor the home side—will give them an advantage. Australia will be looking to bounce back after their 2021 defeat and defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in front of their home crowd.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 Full Schedule

The India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 will span across five Test matches, each hosted at iconic Australian venues known for their unique conditions. Here is the full schedule:

1st Test: November 22 – 26, Opus Stadium, Perth

• Start Time: 7:50 AM IST
• Key Features: The first Test will be held at Opus Stadium in Perth, a venue known for its fast, bouncy conditions. The pitch at Perth typically favors pacers, and the Indian team will be tested right from the start. With Jasprit Bumrah potentially captaining the side, the team’s leadership and strategy will be scrutinized.

2nd Test (Day-Night): December 6 – 10, Adelaide Oval

• Start Time: 9:30 AM IST
• Key Features: The second Test will be a Day-Night match at the Adelaide Oval, a venue renowned for its swing and bounce. The use of the pink ball will add another layer of complexity, with the evening sessions likely to be pivotal.

3rd Test: December 14 – 18, The Gabba, Brisbane

• Start Time: 5:50 AM IST
• Key Features: The Gabba in Brisbane is known for its fast, bouncy pitch and has historically been a fortress for Australia. India will face a stiff challenge here, with the Australian bowlers expected to exploit the lively conditions.

4th Test: December 26 – 30, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

• Start Time: 5:00 AM IST
• Key Features: The Boxing Day Test at the MCG is one of the highlights of the cricketing calendar. The pitch here can offer something for both the fast bowlers and spinners, making it a balanced contest. The crowd at the MCG will provide an electric atmosphere for this crucial match.

5th Test: January 3 – 7, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

• Start Time: 5:00 AM IST
• Key Features: The final Test will be played at the SCG, a venue that typically offers spin-friendly conditions in the latter stages of the match. By this time, the series could be on the line, making this Test a decider for both teams.

India Squad:

Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed.

Australia Squad for 1st Test:

Pat Cummins (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.

Key Players to Watch

India

1. Jasprit Bumrah: As the potential captain for the first Test, Bumrah’s leadership will be under the microscope. As India’s premier pacer, his performance will be crucial in Australia’s fast and bouncy conditions.
2. KL Rahul: With Rohit Sharma potentially absent for the first Test, KL Rahul will need to anchor the top order. His solid technique and adaptability in difficult conditions will be key.
3. Virat Kohli: Kohli’s form is always a talking point. Despite recent struggles in Tests, his class is undeniable, and a big knock in Australia could ignite his form for the series.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin: India’s star spinner will play a crucial role in the middle overs. Ashwin’s ability to take wickets, especially on pitches that may turn as the match progresses, will be critical.
5. Shubman Gill: The young opener has been in great form and will be one of India’s key players. His ability to handle the early pressure from Australia’s pacers will be crucial.

Australia

1. Pat Cummins: The Australian captain and premier pacer, Cummins will be a key figure in Australia’s attack. His leadership and bowling will be pivotal for the home side’s success.
2. Steve Smith: Smith’s record against India is exceptional, and he will once again be central to Australia’s batting lineup. His ability to play under pressure makes him a dangerous opponent.
3. Marnus Labuschagne: Labuschagne is one of the most consistent Test batsmen in the world. His role in anchoring Australia’s innings will be crucial, especially in the middle order.
4. Nathan Lyon: Lyon’s experience and ability to extract turn from Australian pitches will be critical in the later stages of the series. He will play a key role in shutting down India’s middle order.
5. Travis Head: Head’s aggressive batting can change the momentum of a Test match quickly. His role in countering India’s spinners will be important.

How to Watch the India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 Live

Fans across the world can enjoy the live action of the India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 through various official streaming platforms. Here are the options:

1. Sony LIV (India)

• Subscription: Sony LIV has the exclusive streaming rights for the India audience. Fans will need a subscription to watch the series live, with both monthly and annual plans available.
• App/Website: Stream the matches on the Sony LIV app or website.

2. Fox Sports (Australia)

• Subscription: Fox Sports will broadcast the series in Australia. Fans can subscribe to Kayo Sports for live HD streaming or watch it on Foxtel.

3. ESPN+ (USA and Canada)

• Subscription: ESPN+ provides live coverage of the series for fans in the USA and Canada.

4. Willow TV (UK and Rest of the World)

• Subscription: Fans outside India and Australia can access the series through Willow TV, which offers live streaming through its app and website.

Conclusion

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 is shaping up to be a captivating contest between two cricketing giants. With the leadership question surrounding Rohit Sharma’s absence and Jasprit Bumrah’s potential captaincy, this series promises to be more than just a battle of bat and ball. India’s challenge will be to adjust to Australian conditions without their full-strength lineup, while Australia will be eager to avenge their 2021 defeat and defend their home turf.

Whichever way the series goes, fans are guaranteed a spectacle filled with world-class cricket. Be sure to tune in and witness the action unfold live!