As an experienced campaigner on the cricket circuit, I’ve witnessed numerous Border-Gavaskar Trophy battles unfold over the years. However, the schedule unveiled by Cricket Australia for the 2024-25 edition has piqued my interest like few others. The hosts have crafted a strategic blueprint, meticulously designed to challenge the Indian juggernaut and regain the coveted trophy.
The series opener at the Perth Stadium is a calculated gambit, capitalizing on Australia’s unblemished record at the venue. With four wins out of four, the Perth pitch promises to dish out a favourable concoction of pace and bounce, ideally suiting the home team’s strengths. Interestingly, while Perth hosted India in 2018-19, the visitors were spared the challenge last time around, making this encounter all the more intriguing.
Where the real test lies, however, is the second Test at Adelaide – a day-night affair with the pink ball. India’s previous tryst with the pink cherry in Adelaide was nothing short of a nightmare, as they were skittled out for an unprecedented 36, their lowest-ever Test total. A nine-day buffer has been strategically inserted, allowing the visitors ample time to acclimatize and exorcise the demons of that fateful evening. The stage is set for a riveting showdown under the lights.
