The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy will launch at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 22, marking the beginning of a thrilling five-match Test series. India and Australia have both consistently excelled in the Test format over the past five years, making this showdown a highly awaited one for cricket fans worldwide. Despite Australia holding a better all-time record in this rivalry, with 45 wins out of 107 matches compared to India’s 32, the past decade has seen India claim four consecutive Test series victories.
Currently, India faces some challenges after a tough 0-3 series loss against New Zealand at home, which might have impacted the players’ morale. However, India has historically shown resilience when under pressure, and they’re expected to come back strong. Meanwhile, Australia is eager to break India’s recent dominance and win their first series against India in a decade. For this to happen, their key batsmen will need to be at their best throughout the series.
Australia’s Top 5 Batsmen Against India: A Border-Gavaskar Preview
1. Steve Smith – 9 Centuries
Among Australia’s modern legends, Steve Smith leads with nine centuries against India, amassing these in just 19 Tests with an impressive average of 65.87. Known for his unique style and high adaptability, Smith has often proved challenging for Indian bowlers, especially in high-stakes matches. One of his standout performances came in Pune in 2016, where he scored 109 on a tough spinning pitch, setting the foundation for a famous Australian victory. Smith’s experience will be pivotal for Australia’s hopes in the upcoming series.
2. Ricky Ponting – 8 Centuries
Australia’s former captain, Ricky Ponting, holds the second spot with eight centuries against India. Although Ponting’s performance in subcontinental conditions was sometimes inconsistent, he was a powerful force on home soil. Ponting’s highest score of 257 against India came in Adelaide in 2003, a match that saw a historic performance by Indian legend Rahul Dravid. Despite struggles in India, Ponting’s impact on Australian home grounds was undeniable.
3. Michael Clarke – 7 Centuries
Former captain Michael Clarke started his Test career against India with a century on debut in 2004 and went on to score six more centuries against them. Known for his skillful play against spin, Clarke’s record included his career-best 329 in Sydney in 2012. This inning contributed to a dominant 4-0 series victory, a memorable display of his peak form and strategic brilliance against Indian bowlers.
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4. David Boon – 6 Centuries
David Boon may not have been the most flamboyant batter, but his determination made him a standout player. Scoring six centuries against India in just 11 Tests, Boon averaged 70.82 against them. His top score of 135 came in Adelaide in 1992, helping Australia secure a crucial win. Boon’s resilience and commitment to refining his skills over the years cemented his legacy as one of Australia’s greats.
5. Matthew Hayden – 6 Centuries
Matthew Hayden, one of the finest openers in Test cricket, rounds out this list with six centuries against India. He made his mark in the 2001 Border-Gavaskar series, using powerful sweep shots to counter India’s spinners effectively. Hayden’s performance shone both on Australian grounds and in spin-friendly Indian conditions, where he averaged 59, showcasing his adaptability and batting strength.
As these two nations prepare for another historic clash, Australian batters will look to continue their strong performances against India and help their team reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series promises to be a showcase of skill, resilience, and rivalry as both teams push for victory.
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