Legendary wicketkeeper batter Adam Gilchrist feels Australia need to prove that they are the dominant force in home conditions when they clash against India in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 starting November. Australia's last two home Test series losses to India have left a blemish on their record Down Under over the past decade. Besides, Australia have not beaten India in a Test series since 2014-15, which includes a twin series loss both home and away. Since winning the last series 2-0 a decade ago, Australia have lost the next four series against India - two to Virat Kohli's side (2016-17 and 2018-19), and one each against Ajinkya Rahane (2021) and Rohit Sharma (2023).
Pat Cummins and Co. outclassed India in the World Test Championship final last year, which bodes well for starters and nothing more. Gilchrist, a member of three Australian teams that triumphed over India in Tests (1999, 2004 and 2007-08), emphasised that the current squad must assert their dominance at home when they face Rohit Sharma and his team later this year.
"It is going to be another tough series for both teams. Onus is on Australia to prove they are the dominant force at home. India knows how to go away and win overseas," Gilchrist was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
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Under Kohli's leadership, India became the first Asian team to defeat Australia Down Under in 2018-19. Then, in 2020-21, Rahane inspired another historic triumph. As the two teams prepare to clash again, the stakes are higher than ever. India are eyeing a rare hat-trick of victories in Australia, while their opponents are determined to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But while both sides evenly matched, Gilchrist praised India's bowlers and batters, noting they would thrive in Australian conditions.
{{/usCountry}}Under Kohli's leadership, India became the first Asian team to defeat Australia Down Under in 2018-19. Then, in 2020-21, Rahane inspired another historic triumph. As the two teams prepare to clash again, the stakes are higher than ever. India are eyeing a rare hat-trick of victories in Australia, while their opponents are determined to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But while both sides evenly matched, Gilchrist praised India's bowlers and batters, noting they would thrive in Australian conditions.
{{/usCountry}}"Their fast bowling line-up at the moment is up there, on a par with most around the world. They are going to enjoy the conditions here. Besides, they have a terrifically talented batting line-up. It is going to be very, very even," he added.
Adam Gilchrist backs Australia to win BGT 2024-25
However, Gilchrist backed Australia to get over the line in a close tussle "Naturally, I am going to say Australia; I hope they get there. But it is too close to call. It will be a close tussle," he added.
The five-match Test series begins on November 22 in Perth, with further Tests in Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. The two teams will shift their bases to Sydney for the final match from January 3.