The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is set to reignite one of cricket’s most thrilling rivalries. Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has likened the intensity of the India-Australia face-off to the legendary Ashes, emphasising its status as one of the sport's most anticipated contests. The action kicks off at Perth's Optus Stadium on November 22, promising a series packed with fierce competition and unwavering spirit.
Ponting, a former Australian captain, highlighted the evolution of this rivalry, noting its significance in global cricket. He urged both teams to play with passion and fairness, while acknowledging the high-pressure environment. Ponting predicted matches "played on the edge," with neither team willing to concede ground.
He elaborated during the ICC Review, mentioning that the rivalry has grown into one of the most celebrated in international sport.
"That's the beauty of these great rivalries in world sport. Australia-India in a Test match now is as big a rivalry as there is in world sport, not just cricket," the 49-year-old added.
The series begins in Perth, followed by a day-night Test in Adelaide, a clash at The Gabba in Brisbane, the iconic Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, and the final showdown in Sydney.
Squads for the First Test
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, and others.
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Josh Hazlewood, Alex Carey, and more.
With both teams bringing their strongest squads, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await a gripping contest that could rival the greatest in the sport’s history.