BGT 2024-25: The first Test between India and Australia will be played on November 22. The upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Series is going to start on the same date. Currently, the competition between these two countries has reached the highest level and is going high. Australia has not won a single Test series against India almost for the last 10 years.
Meanwhile, India recently lost in the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final in 2023 against Australia.
But even before the marquee series, there have been murmurs of Australian players wanting to put it out against India. Meanwhile, it will be tough for the visiting team, going by their recent form, especially after losing the home Test series to New Zealand early this month.
Apart from this, the much-awaited captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are likely to miss the first Test in Perth. Now, let’s tell you that Team India is not a favorite in this series.
All venues of BGT 2024-25 and their records
1. Optus Stadium, Perth – November 22-26
India has played one Test at the new stadium in Perth. In that match, star batsman Virat Kohli scored a century, but the visitors lost the match by 146 runs. This time, they are preparing a fast bowler-friendly pitch and a better bowling order will benefit here. Meanwhile, the stadium can host around 60,000 spectators, and as per reports, the stadium will be packed to the brim during the first Test.
Since 2018-19: Top run-scorer: Marnus Labuschagne (519)
Top wicket-taker since 2018-19: Nathan Lyon (27)
Average of first innings per match since 2018-19: 456
Australia since 2018: Matches – 4, Won – 4, Lost – 0
2. Adelaide Oval – December 6-10 (Adelaide Oval)
When India last played a Test match at Adelaide, they were bowled out for 36. India’s record on this ground is horrific. That will surely ring in the minds of the players playing that particular match. And also because it’s going to be a day-night Test of BGT 2024-25 in Adelaide. The team led by Rohit Sharma has played very few pink ball Tests in the last couple of years, which is a cause of concern for the side.
India has played 13 Tests at the Adelaide Oval, winning two and losing eight.
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Top run-scorer since 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (574)
Top wicket-taker since 2018-19: Mitchell Starc (30)
Average of first innings per match since 2018-19: 375
Australia since 2018: Matches – 6, Won – 5, Lost – 1
3. The Gabba, Brisbane – December 14-18 (The Gabba Brisbane)
In January 2021, India ended Australia’s 32-year winning spree at the Gabba. Subsequently, West Indies also won there because of Shamar Joseph’s superb bowling. Meanwhile, Gabba is no longer the ‘fortress’ that Australia claimed for years. However, India has played seven matches at this stadium, winning one and losing five. The earlier winning will surely give an adrenaline rush to the team, and they would be eager to emulate that performance here too.
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Top run-scorer since 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (497)
Top wicket-taker since 2018-19: Pat Cummins (36)
Average of first innings per match since 2018-19: 227
Australia since 2018: Matches – 6, Won – 4, Lost – 2
4. Melbourne Cricket Ground – December 26-30 (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
The Aussie quintessential Melbourne Cricket Ground will also witness the BGT 2024-25. The ground has become very favorable for fast bowlers after recent spells of play, as batsmen have found it tough to score runs there. Both team’s pace units will be geared up for a mighty contest. India has so far played 14 Test matches at the MCG, winning four and losing eight. This match is expected to see 80,000 spectators in the stadium.
Top run-scorer since 2018-19: David Warner (361)
Top wicket-taker since 2018-19: Pat Cummins (31)
Average in first innings since 2018-19: 299
Australia since 2018: Matches – 6, Won – 4, Lost – 2
5. Sydney Cricket Ground – January 3-7 (Sydney Cricket Ground)
The final match of the five-match series will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground. The ground has been a typical place for spinners to dominate, and the visiting side might go for both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in their playing XI. Also, in the last few years, the weather has spoiled games in Sydney. India has played 13 matches in Sydney, where they have won only one and lost seven.
Top run-scorer since 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (734)
Top wicket-taker since 2018-19: Nathan Lyon (26)
First innings average since 2018-19: 436
Australia since 2018: Matches – 7, Won – 3, Lost – 0, Drawn – 4
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