Australia vs India 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy preview: Can Australia reclaim the trophy? Match details, squads, and key player analysis.
The cricketing giants clash in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22 in Perth. As much as fans are eager to see if this is the first time Australia would end India's four-series winning streak, the players are keen to see whether this is the first time since 1991/92 the five Test matches of the series give Australians a comprehensive opportunity to regain the trophy when they last held it in 2014/15. Pat Cummins will lead a very formidable-looking Australian side of seasoned Test players alongside talented youngsters looking forward to displaying their mettle against the visiting Indian side.
Aussie Dream XI for Perth Border-Gavaskar Test opener
Australia have announced their settled 13-man squad and the Perth Test XI looks well set. They have had to make one change only, as Cameron Green is out with back surgery. That is replaced by Mitchell Marsh, not only to complement the bowling but also to balance up the batting lineup. This series, to be played across some of the toughest grounds of Australia, could be the ultimate test for the Indian team.
Predicted Australian Playing XI for the 1st Test vs India
1. Nathan McSweeney at number
The 25-year-old South Australian will open for Australia for the first time in his career, a big change from his usual No. 3 spot for South Australia and Australia A. Over the last two years, McSweeney has scored six centuries and boasts an average of 43. Testing under India's fiery bowling attack is what he needs.
2. Usman Khawaja
will replace that opening spot, and he has plenty of experience and resilience. While Khawaja has averaged 53 since 2022, his recent form, only averaging 30 in 2024, places pressure on him. Khawaja might be playing his last Border-Gavaskar series at home against India, and that only adds sentimental motivation.
3. Marnus Labuschagne
The big-scoring individual at Optus Stadium, Labuschagne averages 103 in Perth with three centuries. His numbers in 2024 have not been impressive so far, so he'll look to carry forward his record in this stadium where he has thrived with scores of fireworks against other nations.
4. Steve Smith
Steve Smith is Australia's talisman, even at No. 4 the spot he prefers. His record against India is terrific: an average of 65, and a great performance at Perth, averaging 88. At the age of 35, he may play his last matches in Australia against India. That may also contribute to his intensity.
5. Travis Head
Travis Head has been sensational since the return in the 2021 Ashes, averaging 42 with a strike rate of 78. He's an aggressive striker and can flip the game in Australia's favor in a session. That's a winning asset for the hosts against a quality bowling attack like India's.
6. Mitchell Marsh
With Green ruled out, Mitchell Marsh will be the all-rounder. Marsh has a great home turn in Perth, where he scored 90 and 63* in his last game. Though his form in 2024 is middling, the conditions at Perth should help his bounce and pace, which could send the Indian batsmen into a tizzy.
7. Alex Carey (wk)
Since Tim Paine retired, Carey has emerged as Australia's go-to man for the wicket-keeping gloves. Despite his minimal average of 24 against India, it can be a decisive factor in building or saving an Australian innings.
8. Pat Cummins (C)
Leading his first home Border-Gavaskar series, Cummins has taken 50 wickets in 13 Tests against India at an average of 26.18. Which makes him only one of the world's best Test pacers: that and his consistency with both ball and bat make him too vital to have in this series for Australia.
9. Mitchell Starc
Among the four Tests played at Perth, Starc has taken 23 wickets in Perth with an average of 19. He will look to do much better here with his relatively high 38.54 average against India. Being an arch-left-armer and swing specialist, the left-arm fast bowler will be an all-important force for Australia, especially in the pace-friendly Perth conditions.
10. Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon is one of the frontline spinners from Australia who thrived against India, taking 121 Test wickets from them with nine five-wicket hauls. At Perth, he has also been Australia's most successful bowler, taking 27 wickets with two five-wicket hauls in four Tests.
11. Josh Hazlewood
Oft considered a "McGrath clone" for his accuracy, Hazlewood complements the Cummins-Starc pairing well. His consistency and ability to exploit bounce will be crucial against India's batting order. Hazlewood has taken 51 wickets in 15 Tests against India.
Pitch and Weather Analysis: Optus Stadium, Perth
Perth is a venue that the Optus Stadium pitch traditionally plays into Australia's strength - it is a typical wicket that favors pace and bounce. Seamers will utilize their new ball, meaning Indian batters will be working very early. However, it does favor the type of batting that grinds down and absorbs the initial seam movement and finds possibilities for partnerships later on.
Weather in Perth seems to be one of those sunny days for the opening match of the series, and the play would be carried out without any interruptions, along with the ideal state of affairs for both teams to come out entirely.
Accomplishing takeaways and series prediction
Australia will need to come back as champions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India has won the last four series, and they have won it twice when playing in Australia. So, India is a pressure team on Cummins and his teammates to turn over the table. India comes in as a confident unit, having won their last series and an extremely well-balanced team that can successfully challenge Australia at home.
A five-match series with both teams having world-class talent and carrying high stakes promises intense competition. The home advantage along with a settled squad will make Australia slightly favorites, but the resilience of India might make it a real nail-biting encounter.
Prediction: Australia to win 3-2.
Where to Watch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25
Broadcast Information:
- India: Sony Sports Network
- Australia: Fox Cricket
- UK: Sky Sports
- USA: Willow TV
