The first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 series between India and Australia is set to commence on November 22, 2024, at the Optus Stadium in Perth. This eagerly anticipated clash is expected to draw significant attention as both teams prepare to compete in one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries.
Match Details
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
- Date: November 22 – 26, 2024
- Match Type: 1st Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25
Teams Overview
India: India, captained by Jasprit Bumrah in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who is on paternity leave, features a strong squad ready to challenge Australia in their home conditions. Key players such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep form a well-balanced team capable of delivering excellent performances.
Australia: Australia, led by Pat Cummins, boasts a formidable lineup with experienced players like Steve Smith (vice-captain), Marnus Labuschagne, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Alex Carey. Australia aims to leverage their home advantage and continue their dominance in Test cricket.
Key Players
India:
- Virat Kohli: A seasoned campaigner known for his batting prowess.
- Jasprit Bumrah: A key bowler and the acting captain.
- Rishabh Pant: A dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman.
- Ravindra Jadeja: A versatile all-rounder who can change the game with both bat and ball.
Australia:
- Steve Smith: A reliable batsman with a track record of success against India.
- Pat Cummins: The captain and a leading fast bowler.
- Marnus Labuschagne: A consistent performer in the top order.
- Nathan Lyon: A seasoned spinner with vast experience.
Head-to-Head
India and Australia have a storied rivalry in Test cricket, with Australia having historically dominated in their home conditions. However, India has shown resilience and skill, winning the last two BGT series in Australia. This series holds extra significance for India, as they need to win all four Tests to secure a direct entry into the World Test Championship final in June 2025.
Probable Playing XI
India Squad
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Prasidh Krishna
- Harshit Rana
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
Australia Squad for 1st Test
- Pat Cummins (Captain)
- Travis Head
- Usman Khawaja
- Nathan McSweeney
- Steve Smith
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper)
- Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper)
- Mitchell Starc
- Josh Hazlewood
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Pitch Report
The Optus Stadium pitch in Perth is renowned for its pace and bounce, providing an advantage to fast bowlers. Early in the match, seamers are likely to get some assistance, but as the game progresses, the pitch can become more favourable for batting. Historically, teams winning the toss have opted to bat first, aiming to post a significant first innings total. The average first innings score at the venue is 456, indicating that it is crucial to build a strong foundation.
Probable Scenarios and Match Predictions
- India’s Challenge: To adapt quickly to the pace-friendly conditions and rely on their top order to provide a solid foundation. Key contributions from players like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill will be essential to India’s success.
- Australia’s Strength: Australia’s formidable pace attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, will look to capitalize on the conditions and put pressure on the Indian batters. The hosts will aim to exploit any weaknesses and establish early dominance.
- Key Battle: The performance of India’s top order against Australia’s fast bowlers will be crucial. The contest between Virat Kohli and Pat Cummins will be particularly intriguing.
- Prediction: Given the conditions and Australia’s home advantage, the match is expected to be closely contested. However, India’s recent success in Australia and its strong lineup give it a realistic chance to start the series on a positive note. If India can adapt to the conditions and withstand the early onslaught from Australia’s bowlers, they could set themselves up for a competitive series.
