The much-anticipated clash between two cricketing giants, India and Australia, is set to take center stage from November 2024 to January 2025. This high-stakes tour will see the Indian cricket team take on Australia in a five-Test series, marking the first time since 1992 that the teams will play such an extended series. With these matches counting toward the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship, both sides are eager to stake their claim not only for victory but for crucial points on the global Test rankings.
Australia, as hosts, will provide challenging conditions for India, who arrive with momentum, having retained the Border Gavaskar Trophy by winning 2–1 in the previous series. The tour begins with three first-class warm-up matches, offering both teams a chance to acclimatize and finalize their strategies ahead of the main event. Cricket Australia has confirmed the venues for the series, which span iconic stadiums across the country, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans worldwide.
This article dives into the highly anticipated 2024-25 India-Australia Border–Gavaskar Trophy, a pivotal chapter in one of cricket’s most intense rivalries. We explore India’s squad dynamics, where emerging talents and seasoned players aim to counter Australia’s strong lineup on their home turf. As the first five-Test series between these teams since 1992, we’ll revisit historical clashes that shaped this rivalry, alongside analyzing each team’s current form and tactical adjustments as they chase critical World Test Championship points.
India’s Squad for BGT 2024
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Jasprit Bumrah (vc)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Akash Deep
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Shubman Gill
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Virat Kohli
- Prasidh Krishna
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- KL Rahul
- Harshit Rana
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Mohammed Siraj
- Washington Sundar
India has also named Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed as traveling reserves for the series.
Notable Point:
A key development is the absence of Mohammed Shami from the squad. However, he is expected to play domestic cricket and could be included in the later matches of the series if he is deemed fit enough. Shami’s inclusion could significantly strengthen India’s pace attack, making his potential return a major talking point.
Who Will Take Rohit Sharma’s Place In The First Test Of BGT 2024?
If Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the first Test against Australia in Perth due to personal reasons, India will need to find a suitable opener. Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has been chosen as Rohit’s backup for the tour, is a strong candidate for the role. Easwaran’s impressive domestic record, with 7,657 runs at an average of 49, along with his 27 centuries and 29 half-centuries, makes him a promising option. With over 100 first-class matches under his belt, his experience and recent form could provide stability at the top of the order, making him an ideal replacement.
However, KL Rahul also remains a potential choice to open in Rohit’s absence. Despite his recent struggles, Rahul’s experience in overseas conditions and his history as an opener make him a viable option. He was sent ahead to represent India A in the preparatory series against Australia A, which demonstrates the team’s interest in keeping him ready for the main series. Given India’s desire to start strong in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, head coach Gautam Gambhir may lean towards Rahul’s experience, especially under the pressure of bouncing back after a 0-3 home series loss.
Ultimately, the decision may come down to whether the team prioritizes Easwaran’s consistent domestic form or Rahul’s seasoned international experience. Both players bring unique strengths to the role, and whichever choice the selectors make, it will aim to provide India with a solid start in what promises to be a challenging series.
Australia Squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Nathan Lyon
- Mitch Marsh
- Nathan McSweeney
- Steve Smith
- Mitchell Starc
Notable Point:
Australia has announced a 13-member squad led by Pat Cummins for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting with the first Test in Perth on November 22. Notably, two uncapped players, Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis, have been included. McSweeney, after his impressive performances for Australia A, will open the batting, edging out seasoned players like Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft. Josh Inglis has been picked as a reserve wicketkeeper, having impressed selectors with recent high-scoring performances, reinforcing his status as a middle-order option.
Speedster Scott Boland joins the team as backup to the primary pace trio of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, adding depth to the bowling attack. Both McSweeney and Inglis bring fresh energy and versatility, with McSweeney set to solidify the opening slot and Inglis bolstering the batting depth. This balanced squad aims to challenge India with a mix of experience and emerging talent, signaling Australia’s intent to regain dominance in the series.
Pre BGT 2024 Tour Matches
The India A tour of Australia, taking place from October 31 to November 10, 2024, serves as a precursor to the main India-Australia series later in the season. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, the India A team faces Australia A, captained by Nathan McSweeney, in a series of unofficial Test matches. This tour provides both sides with an opportunity to test emerging talents and gain vital experience in Australian conditions. The fixtures kicked off with the first unofficial Test from October 31 to November 3 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, where Australia A won the toss and chose to field, taking early wickets to set a competitive tone. Following this, the second unofficial Test is set for November 7 to November 10 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
In addition to the two matches against Australia A, the India A squad will play an intrasquad match against the main Indian team on November 15-17 at the WACA Ground in Perth. This game, though not part of the official India A tour of Australia, will be crucial for players looking to cement their spots for the senior Test squad and will help players acclimatize to the Australian pitches. This encounter provides the Indian management with a clear assessment of players’ adaptability to fast and bouncy conditions, an essential skill ahead of the five-match Test series.
Additionally, on November 30 and December 1, the Indians will face off against the Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra. This two-day match, while also not part of the India A tour, offers further match practice against a formidable Australian side. Overall, the India A tour of Australia acts as a critical development stage for India’s young cricketers, helping them gain experience in challenging conditions and allowing selectors to identify standout performers who could be included in the main squad later in the series.
Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024: Fixtures And Venues
| Test |
Location |
Stadium |
Capacity |
Date |
| 1st Test |
Perth |
Perth Stadium |
61,266 |
22–26 November |
| 2nd Test |
Adelaide |
Adelaide Oval |
53,500 |
6–10 December |
| 3rd Test |
Brisbane |
The Gabba |
37,000 |
14–18 December |
| 4th Test |
Melbourne |
Melbourne Cricket Ground |
100,024 |
26–30 December |
| 5th Test |
Sydney |
Sydney Cricket Ground |
48,000 |
3–7 January |
These matches span some of Australia’s premier cricket venues, with each ground offering unique conditions and challenges, making for a gripping series.
Border Gavaskar Trophy: A Statistical Analysis
Most Runs in Border–Gavaskar Trophy
| Player |
Span |
Matches |
Innings |
Runs |
Highest Score |
Average |
100s |
50s |
| SR Tendulkar (IND) |
1996-2013 |
34 |
65 |
3262 |
241* |
56.24 |
9 |
16 |
| RT Ponting (AUS) |
1996-2012 |
29 |
51 |
2555 |
257 |
54.36 |
8 |
12 |
| VVS Laxman (IND) |
1998-2012 |
29 |
54 |
2434 |
281 |
49.67 |
6 |
12 |
| R Dravid (IND) |
1996-2012 |
32 |
60 |
2143 |
233 |
39.68 |
2 |
13 |
| MJ Clarke (AUS) |
2004-2014 |
22 |
40 |
2049 |
329* |
53.92 |
7 |
6 |
Sachin Tendulkar leads the run-scoring charts in the Border–Gavaskar Trophy with an impressive 3,262 runs, spanning nearly two decades. His consistency, reflected in his average of 56.24, and his nine centuries highlight his dominance in this rivalry. Ricky Ponting follows with 2,555 runs, including a highest score of 257, showcasing his ability to perform against India both at home and away. VVS Laxman, renowned for his iconic innings against Australia, takes third place with 2,434 runs, and his remarkable 281 is etched into cricket history. The list includes other stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Michael Clarke, who contributed significantly to this rivalry with their steady run accumulation.
Most Wickets in Border–Gavaskar Trophy
| Player |
Span |
Matches |
Balls |
Runs |
Wickets |
Best Bowling |
Average |
5-wicket Hauls |
| NM Lyon (AUS) |
2011-2023 |
26 |
7378 |
3759 |
116 |
8/50 |
32.40 |
9 |
| R Ashwin (IND) |
2011-2023 |
22 |
7163 |
3234 |
114 |
7/103 |
28.36 |
7 |
| A Kumble (IND) |
1996-2008 |
20 |
6516 |
3366 |
111 |
8/141 |
30.32 |
10 |
| Harbhajan Singh (IND) |
1998-2013 |
18 |
5806 |
2846 |
95 |
8/84 |
29.95 |
7 |
| RA Jadeja (IND) |
2013-2023 |
16 |
4165 |
1603 |
85 |
7/42 |
18.85 |
5 |
Nathan Lyon leads the wicket-takers in the Border–Gavaskar Trophy with 116 wickets, emphasizing his vital role for Australia, particularly on spin-friendly Indian pitches. Close behind is Ravichandran Ashwin with 114 wickets at a remarkable average of 28.36, underlining his consistency and impact in this series. Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, India’s spin greats, also feature prominently, with Kumble claiming 111 wickets and Harbhajan 95, both contributing to India’s successes. Ravindra Jadeja rounds out the top five with 85 wickets, boasting an impressive average of 18.85, highlighting his exceptional skill and value in this rivalry.
Most Matches in Border–Gavaskar Trophy
| Player |
Span |
Matches |
Runs |
Highest Score |
Batting Average |
Wickets |
Best Bowling |
| SR Tendulkar (IND) |
1996-2013 |
34 |
3262 |
241* |
56.24 |
8 |
3/31 |
| R Dravid (IND) |
1996-2012 |
32 |
2143 |
233 |
39.68 |
– |
– |
| VVS Laxman (IND) |
1998-2012 |
29 |
2434 |
281 |
49.67 |
– |
– |
| RT Ponting (AUS) |
1996-2012 |
29 |
2555 |
257 |
54.36 |
– |
– |
| NM Lyon (AUS) |
2011-2023 |
26 |
347 |
38* |
11.19 |
116 |
8/50 |
Sachin Tendulkar has played the most matches in the Border–Gavaskar Trophy, featuring in 34 Tests, accumulating 3,262 runs and securing eight wickets as well. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman have each played over 29 matches, both leaving an indelible mark on the rivalry with their batting prowess. Ricky Ponting, Australia’s most capped player in this series, has appeared in 29 matches, scoring 2,555 runs. Nathan Lyon stands as the leading bowler in terms of appearances, having played 26 matches and taking 116 wickets, a testament to his endurance and effectiveness in the long-running series.
Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024 : A Form Guide
Heading into the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, both India and Australia have had contrasting lead-ups in terms of recent performances. Team India is currently engaged in a three-match Test series against New Zealand, where they’ve struggled, having already lost the first two matches. This puts extra pressure on Rohit Sharma and his team, who will need to find momentum and address areas of concern to stand up to a robust Australian side. Following the New Zealand series, India will play a four-match T20 series against South Africa. Although this squad differs from the Test lineup, a positive showing in the T20s could help build overall team morale. Before facing New Zealand, India managed a 2-0 victory in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, providing a slight boost to their recent Test record.
Australia, on the other hand, enters the series with a confident outlook following a successful run in the white-ball format. They recently claimed a 3-2 victory in a five-match ODI series against England, showcasing resilience and competitive depth. Australia’s immediate focus is now on a limited-overs series against Pakistan, comprising three ODIs and three T20s, which will keep the squad in a competitive rhythm ahead of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy. Their last Test series was a convincing 2-0 victory over New Zealand, indicating strong form in the longer format. With both teams preparing in varied ways, India will look to regain momentum, while Australia hopes to carry their recent success into the demanding Test series.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy Winners List
| Season |
Host |
Tests |
Australia Wins |
India Wins |
Draws |
Ties |
Result |
| 1996–97 |
India |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
India |
| 1997–98 |
India |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
India |
| 1999–2000 |
Australia |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Australia |
| 2000–01 |
India |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
India |
| 2003–04 |
Australia |
4 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
Drawn |
| 2004–05 |
India |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
Australia |
| 2007–08 |
Australia |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
Australia |
| 2008–09 |
India |
4 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
India |
| 2010–11 |
India |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
India |
| 2011–12 |
Australia |
4 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Australia |
| 2012–13 |
India |
4 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
India |
| 2014–15 |
Australia |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
Australia |
| 2016–17 |
India |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
India |
| 2018–19 |
Australia |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
India |
| 2020–21 |
Australia |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
India |
| 2022–23 |
India |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
India |
| 2024–25 |
Australia |
5 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
India has won the last four Border–Gavaskar Trophy series, including two historic victories on Australian soil in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Their success continued at home in the 2022-23 series, showcasing their dominance. However, with the 2024-25 series now back in Australia, the hosts are determined to reclaim the trophy and end India’s winning streak. With five matches lined up, Australia has a prime opportunity to reverse the recent trend, making this one of the most anticipated clashes in the Trophy’s history.
Who Has Won More Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
India has historically held the upper hand in the Border–Gavaskar Trophy, winning more series than Australia. Since the inception of the trophy in 1996-97, India has emerged victorious in 10 series, while Australia has claimed 5. This includes India’s recent dominance, with victories in each of the last four series, two of which were on Australian soil (2018-19 and 2020-21). These wins underscore India’s consistency and adaptability, both at home and abroad. Although Australia performed strongly in the earlier years, especially in home series, India’s success over the past decade has tilted the overall record in their favor, making them the current dominant force in this prestigious Test rivalry.
Who Won The Last Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
India won the most recent Border–Gavaskar Trophy in the 2022-23 series, held in India. The series comprised four Tests, with India emerging victorious 2-1, while one match ended in a draw. India’s spinners, particularly Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, played crucial roles, with both players sharing the Player of the Series honor for their impactful performances with the ball and bat. This victory continued India’s streak in the Border–Gavaskar Trophy, marking their fourth consecutive series win over Australia, a testament to their stronghold in this rivalry in recent years.
Current Situation Of India In WTC 2024-25
| Position |
Team |
Played |
Won |
Lost |
Draw |
Deducted |
Points |
Percentage (PCT) |
| 1 |
India |
13 |
8 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
98 |
62.82 |
| 2 |
Australia |
12 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
10 |
90 |
62.50 |
| 3 |
Sri Lanka |
9 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
60 |
55.56 |
| 4 |
South Africa |
8 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
52 |
54.17 |
| 5 |
New Zealand |
10 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
60 |
50.00 |
| 6 |
England |
19 |
9 |
9 |
1 |
19 |
93 |
40.79 |
| 7 |
Pakistan |
10 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
8 |
40 |
33.33 |
| 8 |
Bangladesh |
10 |
3 |
7 |
0 |
3 |
33 |
27.50 |
| 9 |
West Indies |
9 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
20 |
18.52 |
India’s position in the World Test Championship 2023-25 (WTC 2025) has become precarious, with recent home losses narrowing their lead over Australia to a mere 0.32 percentage points. India currently sits at 62.82% while Australia follows closely with 62.50%. With only six matches left in their WTC cycle, including the critical five-Test Border–Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series in Australia, India faces a challenging path to secure a spot in the 2025 WTC final.
To ensure qualification, India must perform exceptionally well in the BGT. Winning at least five out of the six remaining matches is crucial, allowing them one draw at most. This would position them with 71.05 percentage points, potentially enough to keep them in the top two. A clean sweep against Australia (5-0) would propel India to 74.56 percentage points, almost guaranteeing a place in the final. The BGT series is, therefore, pivotal; any loss could jeopardize India’s chances, making the series a high-stakes battle for a coveted spot in the WTC final.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2024-25 Border–Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a riveting chapter in the storied rivalry between India and Australia. With a five-match Test series set to unfold across Australia’s iconic venues, both teams are prepared for a high-stakes battle, aiming for not only victory but also critical ICC World Test Championship points. India enters the series on a remarkable winning streak, having retained the Border–Gavaskar Trophy in the last four series, including two historic victories on Australian soil. This year’s squad, a balanced mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, faces challenging conditions in Australia, where they’ll seek to uphold their dominance.
The tour is well-prepared with multiple warm-up matches to aid acclimatization, and the statistics underscore the fierce competitiveness that has defined this rivalry. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting lead the all-time runs list, while bowlers Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin continue to define spin mastery in these contests. As Australia looks to reclaim the trophy, their recent form and home advantage may give them the edge they need, setting the stage for an intense series. The Border–Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is more than just a cricket series; it’s a culmination of history, skill, and national pride, making it one of the most eagerly awaited events in cricket. Don’t miss these exciting matches, sign up on GUGOBET and win with team India!
