India vs Australia: Key Players & Stakes in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Test Series
India vs Australia Test Series: Key Information
Table of Contents
Series Overview
India and Australia will compete in a five-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series begins on November 22, 2024, in Perth. Fans worldwide will watch as top players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Mitchell Starc, and Steve Smith participate.
Match Schedule
- First Test, Perth Stadium, Perth: November 22-26, 2024
- Second Test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide: December 6-10, 2024
- Third Test, Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane: December 14-18, 2024
- Fourth Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne: December 26-30, 2024
- Fifth Test, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney: January 3-7, 2025
What’s at Stake
Both teams aim for victory to gain a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025. A win for India strengthens their position, while an Australian victory may indicate a shift in cricket power.
Qualification for WTC Final
- India: Needs to win 4-0 to qualify directly.
- Australia: Must win five of their next seven Tests for a strong chance. A 4-0 win over India is also required to secure their spot.
Key Indian Players
- Virat Kohli: Renowned for his performances in Australia, despite recent struggles.
- Rohit Sharma: Captain missing the first Test, aiming to improve his Australian record.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Vice-captain and leading fast bowler, essential for success.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Emerging talent making his debut series against Australia.
- Sarfraz Khan: Aggressive batter facing a tough challenge against Australia’s bowlers.
Key Australian Players
- Travis Head: Crucial opener with a strong record against India.
- Steve Smith: Top batter known for his excellent average against India.
- Pat Cummins: Team captain and skilled bowler, effective on home pitches.
- Mitchell Starc: Leading bowler with a strong performance history against India.
- Nathan Lyon: Experienced spinner with many wickets against Indian players.
Potential Debutants
- India: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Australia: Nathan McSweeney, Josh Inglis
Head-to-Head Record
Since 1996-97, India and Australia have competed in 16 series. India has won 10, Australia 5, with 1 drawn series. Recent series results:
- 2022-23: India won 2-1
- 2020-21: India won 2-1
- 2018-19: India won 2-1
- 2016-17: India won 2-1
- 2014-15: Australia won 2-0
Squads
Australia
- Pat Cummins (captain), Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
India
- Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar
Prepare for a thrilling series between these cricket giants!