**India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Key Challenges and Series Preview**
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 kicks off on November 22, with India taking on Australia in a five-match Test series. India, led by Jasprit Bumrah, aims to secure their third consecutive series win in Australia but faces challenges due to key absences. Regular captain Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the first Test, and Shubman Gill is sidelined with an injury, forcing changes to the playing XI. India needs to win at least four matches to stay in contention for the ICC World Test Championship final, but tough Australian conditions pose a challenge. Australia's hopes rest on experienced batters Steven Smith, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne, along with their formidable pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. The series promises a fierce battle with high stakes for both teams.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, part of India’s tour of Australia, will begin on November 22 with the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth. Jasprit Bumrah will lead Team India against Pat Cummins’ Australian side. The second match will be a Day/Night Test (Pink Ball Test) at the Adelaide Oval, starting nine days later. The series wraps up with the New Year Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, ending on January 7, 2025.
India is looking to secure their third straight Test series win in Australia, but their preparations haven't been smooth. Regular captain Rohit Sharma will miss the first match due to the birth of his second child, and Shubman Gill, India’s key number three batter, is sidelined with an injury sustained during practice.
These setbacks mean India will need to reshuffle their playing XI. Likely pacers for the series opener include Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and either Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna. India must win at least four of the five matches to keep their hopes alive for the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 final. However, performing well in Australia’s tough conditions will be a major challenge.
Australia, on the other hand, will rely heavily on experienced batters Steven Smith, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne to guide their relatively inexperienced top order. Their strong pace attack—led by Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood—will aim to capitalize on India’s shaky preparation and start the series strong.
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