The highly anticipated Test series between India and Bangladesh is still four weeks away, but discussions have already begun about the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy slated for the end of the year. While Indian fans are understandably excited about the upcoming Australia tour, it seems that the Australian team is feeling an even greater sense of urgency. With Australia having lost the last two Test series against India on home soil, they are eager to redeem themselves. This desperation has manifested in the form of statements from Australian players even three months before the series kicks off. One such statement came from Australian fast bowler Scott Boland, who has issued a challenge to Indian batting sensation Virat Kohli.
Boland Eager to Hunt Down Kohli
The Indian team is set to tour Australia in November, where a five-match Test series will commence on November 22. Ahead of this series, Boland spoke to the media, highlighting that his team also boasts star players and that their bowling attack is world-class. He emphasized that the home advantage would work in Australia’s favor. However, it appears Boland may have overlooked the fact that India has won Test series in Australia twice in a row.
Moreover, Boland has his sights set on India’s star batsman Virat Kohli, who struggled against him during the World Test Championship final, where Boland dismissed Kohli in both innings. Given this previous encounter, the battle between Kohli and Boland will be one to watch closely during the series. Despite acknowledging Kohli’s prowess, Boland warned that dismissing him was gratifying and expressed his hope of repeating that success.
Kohli Ready to Prove Himself Again
Virat Kohli is equally keen to showcase his skills during this Australian series. The last time India toured Australia, Kohli was only able to feature in one Test match, where the team collapsed for just 36 runs in the second innings. Following this match, Kohli returned to India for the birth of his first child, while India went on to win the series 2-1 under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane.
Historical Significance of the Upcoming Series
This series holds added significance as it marks the first time in 32 years that a five-Test match series will be played between these two teams. The last occurrence was in 1992. Since then, series have typically featured either three or four Test matches. This makes the upcoming series not just significant for its competitive spirit but also rich in historical context.
What to Expect in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
| Match Date | Venue | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| November 22, 2024 | Brisbane | Virat Kohli, Scott Boland |
| November 30, 2024 | Adelaide | Rohit Sharma, Pat Cummins |
| December 8, 2024 | Melbourne | Jasprit Bumrah, Steve Smith |
| December 18, 2024 | Sydney | Ravichandran Ashwin, David Warner |
| December 26, 2024 | Perth | K.L. Rahul, Cameron Green |
As both teams gear up for this exciting series, fans can expect high-octane cricket filled with intense rivalries and strategic battles. With everything on the line, both India and Australia will be looking to leave their mark and add another chapter to their storied cricketing history.
