Mumbai, Aug 14 (UNI) India can make a hat-trick of wins. This statement isn’t just a hopeful declaration; it’s a sentiment echoed by cricket greats and fans alike as the Indian cricket team prepares for yet another showdown in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
With two consecutive series victories on Australian soil, the team is on the brink of something historic—securing three back-to-back Test series wins against Australia in their own backyard.
Ravi Shastri, a former coach and a stalwart of Indian cricket, firmly believes that his former team can continue their recent dominance. The anticipation surrounding the series is palpable, with Australia still smarting from their last two defeats and hungry for revenge. Shastri knows that the Australians, led by Pat Cummins, will be formidable opponents, but he is confident in India’s ability to rise to the occasion.
Australia, having last claimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 2-0 win on home soil in 2015, is eager to regain their grip on the coveted prize. The upcoming five-match series, set to begin in November, is already being billed as one of the most eagerly awaited contests in recent memory. Australian legend Ricky Ponting has predicted a 3-1 victory for his side, but Shastri is quick to remind everyone of India’s resilience and determination.
“The Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia over five Test matches is going to be a humdinger,” Shastri said. “India has beaten Australia twice on the last two tours, and Australia hasn’t held the Trophy in nearly a decade. This is why everyone is eagerly waiting for these two heavyweights to clash.”
The key to India’s success, according to Shastri, will be their batting. The experienced top order, featuring stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will need to perform consistently against Australia’s fearsome bowling attack. Shastri acknowledges that while India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, are fit and ready to fire, it will be the batters who ultimately determine the outcome of the series.
Australia, on the other hand, is looking for revenge. The series kicks off in Perth, where the fast, bouncy pitch will provide the perfect stage for Australia’s fast bowlers to challenge India’s top order. With names like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood leading the charge, backed by the wily off-spinner Nathan Lyon, the Australian attack is one of the best in the world.
Shastri predicts a series of intense one-on-one battles, with the team winning more of these matchups likely to emerge victorious in the series. “It’s going to be India’s batting against the Australian fast bowlers,” Shastri suggested. “And of course, the Indian bowling attack is going to be something everyone will be waiting to see.”
As the series approaches, the excitement continues to build. With both teams boasting world-class talent and a burning desire to prove themselves, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a thrilling spectacle. And if India can hold their nerve, they just might make that historic hat-trick of wins.
