Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has predicted that the World Test Champions, Australia, will secure a 3-1 victory against India in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series, set to take place later this year. Ponting emphasized that Australia will approach the series with something to prove, given their recent losses to India in the last two BGT assignments at home during the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons. Notably, Australia last triumphed over India in a Test series a decade ago; since then, they have endured defeats in all four BGT series, both at home and away.
Ponting shared his insights on the ICC Review during a conversation with Sanjana Ganesan, highlighting that the upcoming series will be fiercely competitive. “It’s going to be a competitive series, and as I said, I think Australia’s got a bit of a point to prove against India in Australia on the back of what’s happened the last two series here,” Ponting remarked.
Significantly, India and Australia are set to engage in a five-match Test series for the first time in over 32 years. The series is slated to begin on November 22 in Perth and will be followed by a day-night Test in Adelaide. The competition will then progress to Brisbane’s Gabba from December 14, with the iconic venues of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) set to host the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests respectively.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the traditional format, Ponting noted, “We are back to five Tests as well, which is the other really important thing about this series. It’s only been four Tests the last couple of times. Five tests, I think everyone’s really excited by that, and I don’t know if there’d be too many drawn games.”
The former Australian skipper admitted that it would be a highly contested series but confidently chose his home country as the likely victors. He projected a 3-1 series win for Australia, noting that unpredictable weather might result in a draw in one of the matches. “I’m obviously going to tip Australia to win, and I’m never going to tip against Australia. There will be a draw somewhere, and there will be some bad weather somewhere, so I’m going to say 3-1 to Australia,” Ponting predicted.
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The upcoming series also holds considerable significance from the perspective of the World Test Championship. Both India and Australia currently lead the points table, and the results of this five-match assignment could have profound implications for their chances of qualifying for the championship final. A series loss for either team could potentially derail their plans for securing a spot in the final match.
In related news, the cricketing world has seen a flurry of activity encompassing players and their futures. Harbhajan Singh has recently commented on the international futures of Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Meanwhile, former New Zealand cricketer George Worker has announced his retirement from professional cricket to pursue a career in investment, marking a significant transition in his life. Ponting himself has expressed confidence in Delhi Capitals fast bowler, suggesting he deserves a spot in India’s Test squad for the Australian tour. All these dynamics add layers of intrigue and anticipation as the 2024-25 season approaches.
The historic cricketing rivalry between India and Australia has always been a cornerstone of Test cricket, known for its nail-biting matches and dramatic turnarounds. This renewed format of a five-match series brings back the anticipation, excitement, and extensive strategy planning that cricketers and fans alike immensely cherish.
With the series looming, both teams will naturally scrutinize and fine-tune their preparations. Australia’s point to prove at their home ground, combined with India’s recent successful endeavors on foreign soil, sets the stage for an electrifying contest. As players gear up and analysts weigh in on the potential outcomes, the cricketing fraternity globally is gearing up for what promises to be an enthralling five-match series.
As we count down to November 22, the cricketing world will indeed turn its attention to Perth, awaiting the onset of a contest that promises skill, strategy, and sheer entertainment. Will Australia manage to reclaim their long-lost dominance, or will India continue their winning streak in the land down under? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series will unequivocally be a spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
