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The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 kicks off with India taking on Australia at the Optus Stadium, Perth, starting November 23rd. The series opener marks the start of a high-stakes, five-match Test series. For India, this series is a shot at redemption after a crushing 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand, while Australia is keen to reclaim their dominance after losing their last two home series to India.
AUS vs IND: Teams Preview
Australia Preview
Australia comes into this Test with the advantage of home conditions, a formidable pace attack, and a reliable batting lineup.
- Key Batters:
- Nathan McSweeney debuts, partnering Usman Khawaja at the top, and will be tested by India’s pace attack.
- Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are the pillars of Australia’s batting, especially at Perth, where Smith averages over 70 in Tests.
- Travis Head, with a strike rate of 78 in his last 30 Tests, adds aggression in the middle order.
- Bowling Attack:
- Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will be key to exploiting Perth’s pace-friendly wicket.
- Josh Hazlewood, with an excellent record against India, and Nathan Lyon, who averages 18 at Perth, complete a lethal bowling quartet.
Key Players: Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon
Predicted Playing XI:
Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
India Preview
India enters the series under pressure, with injury concerns and recent losses clouding their preparation. With skipper Rohit Sharma and opener Shubman Gill unavailable, India’s batting lineup will be tested.
- Key Batters:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s best Test batter this year, will be critical at the top.
- Virat Kohli, struggling for form, will aim to reclaim his dominance in Australia.
- Rishabh Pant, returning after injury, remains India’s X-factor in overseas Tests.
- Bowling Attack:
- Jasprit Bumrah, leading the attack as captain, and Mohammed Siraj will look to exploit Perth’s bounce.
- India may debut Nitish Kumar Reddy, a pace-bowling all-rounder, to strengthen the bowling.
- The spin department will likely be led by either Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja, depending on conditions.
Key Players: Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal
Predicted Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
- Perth’s Optus Stadium is known for its fast and bouncy track. Seam bowlers will enjoy assistance, especially with the new ball. Spinners like Nathan Lyon may also find success as the match progresses.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 457 runs (based on 4 Tests).
Weather Forecast
- Conditions will be sunny and breezy throughout the match, ideal for cricket.
Toss Prediction
Teams batting first have won all four Tests at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The captain winning the toss will almost certainly opt to bat first.
Winning Prediction
Australia holds the advantage at home, especially at Perth, where they have yet to lose a Test. India’s unsettled lineup and recent form issues make this a challenging task for the visitors. While India’s pace attack could trouble Australia’s batting, the hosts’ experience and balanced squad make them clear favorites in the series opener.
Prediction: Australia to win the 1st Test and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
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