India tour of Australia (2024/25)

[BouncerGuy]

Australia A v India A Showdowns Part of the Blockbuster Indian Summer

Two four-day matches between Australia A and India A and a three-day internal match comprising players from the Indian Test squad and India A will precede the NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy series as the top-ranked Test nations prepare for their hugely anticipated showdown.

The lead-up games mean Australia will host the biggest Indian summer ever with the hugely supported Indian men’s and women’s teams playing in Australia over 69 days from first ball to last and in eight different venues Australia-wide.

The Australia A v India A matches will be played at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay (31 Oct-3 Nov) and the MCG (7-10 Nov) respectively, with the Indian internal match to take place at the WACA Ground (15 Nov-17 Nov) with players pushing their case for selection ahead of the West Test.

Peter Roach, CA Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling said:

“The 2024-25 summer is highlighted by the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, the first five-Test series between the two giants in more than 30 years. To have that running simultaneously with the women’s ODIs and preceded by two significant Australia A v India A matches will be terrific for our fans.

“Hosting those A matches at the upgraded Great Barrier Reef Arena and the MCG give these A matches significant status and will provide great opportunities to players from both sides to put up their hand for selection.”

India Tours of Australia 2024

Men’s Australia A v India A Series

31 October-3 November 2024: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

7 November-10 November 2024: MCG, Melbourne

India Men’s Internal Game

15 November-17 November: WACA Ground, Perth

NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series

22-26 November 2024: Perth Stadium, Perth

6-10 December 2024: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)

14-18 December 2024: The Gabba, Brisbane

26-30 December 2024: MCG, Melbourne

3-7 January 2025: SCG, Sydney

CA​

 

[U$ofA]

Some wonderful test cricket upcoming. Should be a very good series. Being in primetime in the US makes for a great watch.

Also, likely the biggest pay day for CA, broadcasters and all involved. Win-Win all around!

 

[Devadwal]

Cricket Australia witnesses 6 times surge in the ticket sale for Border Gavaskar Trophy.

-Boxing Day Test Day 1 is already sold out.

 

[Red-Indian]

Cricket Australia witnesses 6 times surge in the ticket sale for Border Gavaskar Trophy.

-Boxing Day Test Day 1 is already sold out.
View attachment 145036

I'm trying to persuade my wife to plan a holiday including the Boxing day game. It doesn't sound very promising since the kid will have to miss some school but I'm still optimistic.

 

[Dhakar Pola]

Should be a cracker of the series. When was the last time India played on boxing day?

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Series will be exciting ,- no doubt.
But as an Indian fan - am not so optimistic this time round...
Aus having lost twice on their shores will be straining ever sinew to defeat us
Don't know Shami injury status.
Siraj - I don't see him taking wickets by the bagful in Aus conditions
No other quick other than jazz-boom..
Frankly we need someone out & out quick - like Mayank Yadav or Umraan Malik or Kuldeep Sen to push them Aus bats onto the back foot .
Else they will wreak havoc....
Am not too confident...
Hope am proven wrong ..hope Springs eternal ..
Go India

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Should be a cracker of the series. When was the last time India played on boxing day?

2021...and our spinners got 2 or 3 before lunch....can U believe it ??

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Australia A v India A Showdowns Part of the Blockbuster Indian Summer

Two four-day matches between Australia A and India A and a three-day internal match comprising players from the Indian Test squad and India A will precede the NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy series as the top-ranked Test nations prepare for their hugely anticipated showdown.

The lead-up games mean Australia will host the biggest Indian summer ever with the hugely supported Indian men’s and women’s teams playing in Australia over 69 days from first ball to last and in eight different venues Australia-wide.

The Australia A v India A matches will be played at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay (31 Oct-3 Nov) and the MCG (7-10 Nov) respectively, with the Indian internal match to take place at the WACA Ground (15 Nov-17 Nov) with players pushing their case for selection ahead of the West Test.

Peter Roach, CA Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling said:

“The 2024-25 summer is highlighted by the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, the first five-Test series between the two giants in more than 30 years. To have that running simultaneously with the women’s ODIs and preceded by two significant Australia A v India A matches will be terrific for our fans.

“Hosting those A matches at the upgraded Great Barrier Reef Arena and the MCG give these A matches significant status and will provide great opportunities to players from both sides to put up their hand for selection.”

India Tours of Australia 2024

Men’s Australia A v India A Series

31 October-3 November 2024: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

7 November-10 November 2024: MCG, Melbourne

India Men’s Internal Game

15 November-17 November: WACA Ground, Perth

NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series

22-26 November 2024: Perth Stadium, Perth

6-10 December 2024: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)

14-18 December 2024: The Gabba, Brisbane

26-30 December 2024: MCG, Melbourne

3-7 January 2025: SCG, Sydney

CA​

So just one INTERNAL game before the Perth cauldron????!!!

Really?....is this how the gadzillon guzzling BCCI cement heads prioritise test cricket?

They could not schedule even ONE match against a good state side on one of the test venues....

Sorry to be pessimistic but if we get to Dec 14 th - the Gabba & not be 0-2 down ... we've done very well....

Thank you Sir Jay Shah & your crooked cronies - money munching minions - thank you for repeatedly making the same mistakes we did before WTC finals 2021 & 2023....

 

[Red-Indian]

So just one INTERNAL game before the Perth cauldron????!!!

Really?....is this how the gadzillon guzzling BCCI cement heads prioritise test cricket?

They could not schedule even ONE match against a good state side on one of the test venues....

Sorry to be pessimistic but if we get to Dec 14 th - the Gabba & not be 0-2 down ... we've done very well....

Thank you Sir Jay Shah & your crooked cronies - money munching minions - thank you for repeatedly making the same mistakes we did before WTC finals 2021 & 2023....

To be fair, we've stopped playing games with the likes of President's XIs etc. before major tours off late. Other teams have done the same. Home teams tend to bring in weak bowlers, provide poor pitches etc. Everybody seems to prefer internal games and practices.

 

[sweep_shot]

I expect Aussies to win the Test series this time. Don't see them losing 3 out of 3 home series to India.

 

[Devadwal]

I expect Aussies to win the Test series this time. Don't see them losing 3 out of 3 home series to India.

You was also expected Australia to win last time and said they were lost the 2018 series due to Smith and warner missed.

 

[sweep_shot]

You was also expected Australia to win last time and said they were lost the 2018 series due to Smith and warner missed.

That was an anomaly. Not the norm.

India cannot win a Test series in South Africa, England, and New Zealand. They won 2 in Australia because Australia kind of went soft. But, Aussies are back now and should win this time.

 

[Devadwal]

So just one INTERNAL game before the Perth cauldron????!!!

Really?....is this how the gadzillon guzzling BCCI cement heads prioritise test cricket?

They could not schedule even ONE match against a good state side on one of the test venues....

Sorry to be pessimistic but if we get to Dec 14 th - the Gabba & not be 0-2 down ... we've done very well....

Thank you Sir Jay Shah & your crooked cronies - money munching minions - thank you for repeatedly making the same mistakes we did before WTC finals 2021 & 2023....

I think most of the test batters need to Play India A vs Australia A series and a internal match.

This is enough before Perth test .

Australia is really scared thats why they chose Perth and Gabba as 1st and 2nd test venues respectively .

 

[BouncerGuy]

This is going to be one hell of a series. 2 champion teams facing each other once again but this time it is the ultimate format.

I think Australia will have an upper hand this time.

 

[kron]

You was also expected Australia to win last time and said they were lost the 2018 series due to Smith and warner missed.

Tbf this time law of averages will catch up

I think it will be a close series. 3-2 Australia.

Maybe india will bring out for revenge. Badla for wtc final they lost. Then yes 3-2 india is possible.

Jazz Boom won't play all tests. He will play 3 and probably help india win 2.

Mayank yadav kuldeep Sen
Harshit rana himanshu chauhan
Keverappa

These will be the guys we need to choose from. Some of them may have a break our season.

 

[kron]

This is going to be one hell of a series. 2 champion teams facing each other once again but this time it is the ultimate format.

I think Australia will have an upper hand this time.

I believe so too. They have lost 4 in a row. One off wtc final doesn't mean anything. That too in English conditions. Makes no sense. One team dint even get time to prepare. Right after ipl.

Series wins matters more in tests. Have a feeling this time aus will win 3-2. Will be hard fought.

Maybe with one rained out game then perhaps 2 2 is on the cards.

 

[Devadwal]

That was an anomaly. Not the norm.

India cannot win a Test series in South Africa, England, and New Zealand. They won 2 in Australia because Australia kind of went soft. But, Aussies are back now and should win this time.

What was the status of india last test tour to England and South Africa ??

If Australian were soft then why were all others test nation lost all the series series post 2018 in australia .

Sometimes came out of jealousy and give credit to a team who was won back to back test series in Australia .

 

[Devadwal]

This is going to be one hell of a series. 2 champion teams facing each other once again but this time it is the ultimate format.

I think Australia will have an upper hand this time.

BGT is more competitive than ashes . This series is going to blockbuster.

India need to sort out bowling combinations as soon as.

 

[FearlessRoar]

BGT 2024-25: Cricket Australia announce record-breaking surge in ticket sales from India​

Cricket Australia (CA) has seen a record-breaking surge in the sales of tickets from India for the upcoming Australia vs India Test series 2024-25 played for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Notably, the two teams will lock horns in a five-match series after 33 years beginning from November 22. India and Australia share the fiercest rivalry in cricket world in recent times courtesy of several mouth-watering encounters between the two teams.

Expecting another crackerjack of a series down under this time around, a large number of Indian fans have booked their seats to witness the spectacle live from the iconic stadiums in Australia. This has led to a record-breaking six-times increase in the number of tickets bought by fans in India for the upcoming series compared to last season.

General Manager of Events & Operations at Cricket Australia, Joel Morrison, expressed his delight on the record-breaking sales and welcomed the Indian fans to Australia assuring them an enjoyable and memorable experience.

"We are thrilled to see so many Indian fans planning to travel to Australia for the NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. They can expect a very warm welcome here. We are committed to providing an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone attending, and we’re confident this series will be remembered for many years to come,” said Morrison.

To make the viewing experience even better for Indian fans, Cricket Australia has come up with Indian Fan Zones for the first time in a Test series in Australia. These specially designed zones aim to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for Indian supporters, fostering a sense of community and celebration among fans at all venues during the series.

The Border Gavaskar Trophy will commence from November 22 with the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The Second Test will be a day-night affair at the Adelaide Oval beginning from December 6 to 10. The historic Gabba in Brisbane will host the third Test from December 14 to 18.

The highly anticipated Boxing Day Test will begin from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the series will come to a close with the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney from January 3.

BGT 2024-25: Cricket Australia announce record-breaking surge in ticket sales from India

Cricket Australia has announced a record-breaking surge in the sale of tickets from India for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

www.indiatoday.in

 

[Devadwal]

Tbf this time law of averages will catch up

I think it will be a close series. 3-2 Australia.

Maybe india will bring out for revenge. Badla for wtc final they lost. Then yes 3-2 india is possible.

Jazz Boom won't play all tests. He will play 3 and probably help india win 2.

Mayank yadav kuldeep Sen
Harshit rana himanshu chauhan
Keverappa

These will be the guys we need to choose from. Some of them may have a break our season.

Indian bowling is big worry this time .

Apart from bumrah and some extent Siraj( hit and miss) we don't have enough experience pacers .

Shami is injured but hopefully he will be fit before This series.

After Bumrah,Shami and Siraj other good choice is Akashdeep.

Dont know who will be 5th pacer.

Spinner's are Ash,Jadeja and kuldeep

 

[Romali_rotti]

This ongoing India/Aus is starting to get a little boring.

 

[Romali_rotti]

That was an anomaly. Not the norm.

India cannot win a Test series in South Africa, England, and New Zealand. They won 2 in Australia because Australia kind of went soft. But, Aussies are back now and should win this time.

India has already won test series in Eng and Nz in the past...

 

[sweep_shot]

India has already won test series in Eng and Nz in the past...

I meant in recent times. With this current batch.

I think India won the 2009 Test series in New Zealand. India won the 2007 Test series in England.

 

[gani999]

Indian bowling is big worry this time .

Apart from bumrah and some extent Siraj( hit and miss) we don't have enough experience pacers .

Shami is injured but hopefully he will be fit before This series.

After Bumrah,Shami and Siraj other good choice is Akashdeep.

Dont know who will be 5th pacer.

Spinner's are Ash,Jadeja and kuldeep

I'm more worried about India's batting, particularly the middle order. Ajnikya Rahane possibly won't feature this time. So the bulk of the middle order is going to be resting on Pujara and Pant. Hopefully Kohli can step up but not sure if he will.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

The good thing about this series is that it is a Big 3 series and so it will be competitive.

Unlike the others when results are foregone conclusions when they tour.

Or still others like BD who predictably lose Test series after Test series no matter where they play.

 

[Red-Indian]

I'm more worried about India's batting, particularly the middle order. Ajnikya Rahane possibly won't feature this time. So the bulk of the middle order is going to be resting on Pujara and Pant. Hopefully Kohli can step up but not sure if he will.

Kohli will do fine I think

If Shami's fit, I'd be really optimistic with a bowling line-up of Bumrah, Shami, Siraj plus a couple of spinners.

Rohit
Jaiswal
Gill/Pujara
Kohli
Pant
Rahul/Sarfraz/Jurel
Jadeja
Ashwin
Bumrah
Siraj
Shami

I could see it being a real battle. Their batting is not ironclad either with Warner's retirement and Smith not being the force he was. Even Khawaja is getting on.

 

[Vikram1989]

Kohli will do fine I think

If Shami's fit, I'd be really optimistic with a bowling line-up of Bumrah, Shami, Siraj plus a couple of spinners.


Ashwin


I could see it being a real battle. Their batting is not ironclad either with Warner's retirement and Smith not being the force he was. Even Khawaja is getting on.

I will like to see kuldeep in place of aswin on Perth and scg wickets.he should be good where there is spin and bounce.as warne used to enjoy the bounce,kd should able to get good results

 

[sweep_shot]

The good thing about this series is that it is a Big 3 series and so it will be competitive.

Unlike the others when results are foregone conclusions when they tour.

Or still others like BD who predictably lose Test series after Test series no matter where they play.

Enjoy while it lasts. Not sure if India will dominate in Australia after Kohli and Bumrah retire. Pujara already retired I believe.

 

[Red-Indian]

I will like to see kuldeep in place of aswin on Perth and scg wickets.he should be good where there is spin and bounce.as warne used to enjoy the bounce,kd should able to get good results

I like the idea and was really tempted but Ashwin's batting has become such a weapon over the last few years, it's tricky. I think he has an average above 20 and really adds that lower order heft that's been useful for us in quite a few tests in the last few years.

It's a good opportunity to shock Australia and teach them a lesson again.

Warner gone, Khawaja 37-38 years old, Smith not settling into opening and looking out of sorts, Marsh, Green are bits and pieces. A lot depends on Labuschagne, Head, Carey. They still have the bowling edge in home conditions but Starc's losing a few yards and Shami being fit will bring us pretty close.

 

[AMSS]

Lmao @ Pujara's name being thrown around.

I think the batting line-up is as good as frozen barring some unforeseen injuries.

Rohit
Jaiswal
Gill
Kohli
KL
Pant
Jadeja
Kuldeep/Ashwin
Bumrah
Shami
Siraj

My hope is the TM plays Kuldeep in at least 3 tests and ideally all 5.

The back-up quicks are going to be interesting. Akashdeep is certain but hopefully Kuldeep Sen is rewarded for his domestic performances. He's tall with good speeds.

The selectors should be open minded about trying Harshit, Himanshu and Mayank as well.

 

[Vikram1989]

I like the idea and was really tempted but Ashwin's batting has become such a weapon over the last few years, it's tricky.

One issue is aus wants to go for the head straight away this time.first 3 matches are at Perth,Adelaide (D/N), Brisbane. So we have to be on the money and attack them

 

[Red-Indian]

Lmao @ Pujara's name being thrown around.

I think the batting line-up is as good as frozen barring some unforeseen injuries.

Rohit
Jaiswal
Gill
Kohli
KL
Pant
Jadeja
Kuldeep/Ashwin
Bumrah
Shami
Siraj

My hope is the TM plays Kuldeep in at least 3 tests and ideally all 5.

The back-up quicks are going to be interesting. Akashdeep is certain but hopefully Kuldeep Sen is rewarded for his domestic performances. He's tall with good speeds.

The selectors should be open minded about trying Harshit, Himanshu and Mayank as well.

I think we'll take Pujara along as insurance but Gill will get the first shot and a couple of tests to prove himself. If not, who's going - Padikkal? Shreyas? Gill should do well though...the kind of pitches there suit his upright style. Don't you think Jurel's done enough in the England series to edge ahead of KL?

I don't see back up quicks who haven't proved themselves in First Class getting a chance. You can't pick based on IPL. They'll break down after a 5 over spell. You're right that Arshdeep is a certainty but the other picks are up in the air. They won't discard Avesh yet. They also seem to have a fascination for Mukesh Kumar but it's tough to see his medium pace translating to success in Australia.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Enjoy while it lasts. Not sure if India will dominate in Australia after Kohli and Bumrah retire. Pujara already retired I believe.

India were competitive even before Kohli and Bumrah.

If we don't produce Test class players after that, then the format will officially die anyway.

So we're good.

 

[dubeTheGoat]

I expect India to retain the trophy 2-2 or lose 3-1. Australia will be wounded after last time- they will give it their all. Would be a really good series. Can't wait for it!

 

[kron]

What was the status of india last test tour to England and South Africa ??

If Australian were soft then why were all others test nation lost all the series series post 2018 in australia .

Sometimes came out of jealousy and give credit to a team who was won back to back test series in Australia .

Won 4 series in a row vs australia. Not just 2

Beat them at home in India too

 

[Vikram1989]

I think we'll take Pujara along as insurance but Gill will get the first shot and a couple of tests to prove himself.

I think all the young crop like jaiswal,jurel ,Gill may play india A matches.Pujara is a completely regressive move like rahane for wtc 23 final .As Gill proved himself in eng series on spin pitches , we should stick with him and he succeeded already there.

 

[sweep_shot]

Lmao @ Pujara's name being thrown around.

I think the batting line-up is as good as frozen barring some unforeseen injuries.

Rohit
Jaiswal
Gill
Kohli
KL
Pant
Jadeja
Kuldeep/Ashwin
Bumrah
Shami
Siraj

My hope is the TM plays Kuldeep in at least 3 tests and ideally all 5.

The back-up quicks are going to be interesting. Akashdeep is certain but hopefully Kuldeep Sen is rewarded for his domestic performances. He's tall with good speeds.

The selectors should be open minded about trying Harshit, Himanshu and Mayank as well.

Pujara was the main reason why India won their first Test series in Australia. That might have given them confidence to win 2nd time also.

 

[kron]

Pujara was the main reason why India won their first Test series in Australia. That might have given them confidence to win 2nd time also.

Pant and bumrah too were the reason

Pant is the Aussie killer
Australia usually get shell shocked when he plays.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

To be fair, we've stopped playing games with the likes of President's XIs etc. before major tours off late. Other teams have done the same. Home teams tend to bring in weak bowlers, provide poor pitches etc. Everybody seems to prefer internal games and practices.

That's a pity....yeas, that's a trend off late ...I also recall Pak playing not a state side but some other XI on some small ground in Melbourne - not mcg before their first test in 2023.
But it has to change ..
For a series of this magnitude proper planning should have gone in, more awareness by BCCI - indian media ....should've surely got at least one state side match ...
for all you know we could be 75/6 @ lunch, Perth - opening day of the series ..
BCCI simply has to step in & change thd

Lmao @ Pujara's name being thrown around.

I think the batting line-up is as good as frozen barring some unforeseen injuries.

Rohit
Jaiswal
Gill
Kohli
KL
Pant
Jadeja
Kuldeep/Ashwin
Bumrah
Shami
Siraj

My hope is the TM plays Kuldeep in at least 3 tests and ideally all 5.

The back-up quicks are going to be interesting. Akashdeep is certain but hopefully Kuldeep Sen is rewarded for his domestic performances. He's tall with good speeds.

The selectors should be open minded about trying Harshit, Himanshu and Mayank as well.

Not a bad team....but Arshdeep?
In non swinging conditions in tests his 125 kmph is pop guns halwa...the only attribute he brings is he is LH & hence can rough Up the patch outside off & make it easy for ash/kulli...
I'd rather take any tall guy who bangs into pitch, can bowl 26-30 ov & keep batsmen on Blackfoot like Ishant, mark wood or even Neil Wagner....
I fell we should take a punt on an out & out quickie like Umraan ....Kuldeep Sen etc

 

[AMSS]

Akashdeep is not Arshdeep lol

Why do you guys even bother following Indian cricket if you cannot tell Akashdeep who played against ENG from white ball Arshdeep?

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Akashdeep is not Arshdeep lol

Why do you guys even bother following Indian cricket if you cannot tell Akashdeep who played against ENG from white ball Arshdeep?

My bad
....did n't read properly...yes- I forgot all about him & akashdeep any day over Arshdeep...
Batting back up should be devdutt Padikkal, washi sundar, Dhruv jurel...
Am not too confident about Sarfraz & his bottom hand MSD style of play on bouncy Aussie wickets but since he has delivered in the chances he has got ..feel he should make the squad as well

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sheffield Shield to help prime Aussies for India​

Some Test stars' long absence from domestic red-ball competition could end with four Shield rounds scheduled before Border Gavaskar series opener.

Australia's leading male players will have a rare chance to pit their red-ball skills against one another, with the Sheffield Shield's critical role in priming Test stars for their bid to wrestle the Border-Gavaskar Trophy off India revealed today.

Cricket Australia has announced four Shield rounds will be played before the Test summer opener against India on November 22, including the first two in a window free of any overlapping international commitments.

Thursday's announcement of the summer's domestic fixtures all but completes a 2024-25 schedule that has the men’s side's quest to end a run of four consecutive Test series defeats to India at its forefront.

Unlike the three previous years that have seen white-ball World Cups run into November, there is clear air in Australia's international program through the entire month of October when the Sheffield Shield season gets underway following an opening blitz of domestic 50-over matches.

Australia's limited-overs tour of the United Kingdom ends on September 29. The national side are then not back in action until a three-match ODI and T20I home series against Pakistan from November 4-18.

Top players will have their preparation blocks individually tailored and some may be rested or managed through the white-ball series to ensure they are tip-top for the India Tests.

None of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc or Steve Smith have played a single match in any of the previous three Shield seasons, while other leading Australian players have also seen windows to turn out for their states shrink amid cricket's global schedule squeeze.

But some of Australia's current all-format players could play multiple Shield matches in the early stages of this summer's competition beginning October 8.

It creates some potentially mouth-watering contests.

The uber-aggressive Head and South Australian teammate Alex Carey could face off against some or all of the incumbent Test attack of Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon when NSW host the Redbacks at Silverwater's Cricket Central in the opening round.

How Smith fares at the top of the order for a Blues line-up (also featuring recruits Nic Maddinson and Josh Philippe) in early games against SA and then Victoria will be a further subplot after the veteran batter struggled in his new role on the New Zealand tour earlier this year.

Three-time defending champions Western Australia may be bolstered by allrounders Green and Marsh for the opening games of their title defence, the first coming against Queensland in what shapes as Marnus Labuschagne's first match as full-time captain of the Bulls.

Labuschagne and his predecessor Usman Khawaja could get a solid workout on a bouncy WACA Ground wicket against the likes of speedsters Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris – both eager to push their Test cases – ahead of taking on the Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian attack.

A second round that has a rematch of the '23-24 Shield final as its highlight with WA hosting Tasmania could see further Test player involvement across the country too.

Although the availability of the big names through rounds three and four will taper given the overlap with home ODI and T20I series against Pakistan, the prioritisation of the India campaign could see certain players continue to feature in the Shield instead.

A prime candidate for that will be Green, a fulcrum of the Test team but currently only a fringe member of both white-ball sides. His focus on red-ball cricket last summer was identified as a major factor in a breakthrough century against NZ in Wellington in February.

The competition will lose more of its leading performers during that period due to back-to-back Australia A first-class games against India A in Mackay (from October 31) and at the MCG (from November 7).

The domestic 50-over competition will be played concurrently, with the tournament to kick off with six games in as many days in Sydney and Melbourne, leaving WA, SA, Tasmania and Queensland to play matches against each other at neutral venues.

The men's one-day final will be held on the same weekend as the Women's National Cricket League decider in early March.

Domestic access to major international grounds improves as the season progresses. Only two of the first 12 Shield games will be hosted by a current Test ground (MCG and Adelaide Oval to host), while the first 11 one-dayers are all being played at secondary venues.

But from mid-November there is a solid run of matches at the MCG (which hosts a second Shield match before Christmas, plus the Australia A-India A game), the SCG, Adelaide Oval and the Gabba (three Shield matches each for the season) either side of the blockbuster men's and women's international fixtures.

Perth's Optus Stadium is not hosting any domestic cricket outside of the KFC BBL with WA hosting all their games at the WACA Ground, likewise with Tasmania at Blundstone Arena.

"We are … confident that scheduling games at a mixture of major stadiums and smaller venues will provide the best possible experiences for players and fans," said CA's head of operations and scheduling Peter Roach.

"We look forward to the beginning of our domestic season on September 22 and thank the State and Territory Associations and the Australian Cricketers' Association for their ongoing support."

Sheffield Shield to help prime Aussies for India | cricket.com.au

Some Test stars' long absence from domestic red-ball competition could end with four Shield rounds…

www.cricket.com.au

 

[BouncerGuy]

Prime Minister’s XI day-night showdown with India confirmed

The massive upcoming summer of international cricket in Australia has got even bigger with confirmation today of a showdown between the Prime Minister’s XI and the Indian men’s team at Manuka Oval, Canberra from Saturday, 30 November – Sunday, 1 December 2024.

The two-day, day-night match will provide India’s squad with a crucial opportunity to play under lights with the pink Kookaburra ball ahead of the NRMA Insurance Day Night Test at Adelaide Oval which begins on Friday, 6 December 2024.

The 2024 Prime Minister’s XI match will be a celebration of Australia and India’s long-running cricket ties that underpin our broader bilateral economic, cultural and community links while adding to the enormous excitement surrounding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series.

It is the fourth occasion India has played against the Prime Minister’s XI and the first time in 20 years.

The last time the Prime Minister’s XI faced India in 2004, Steve Waugh captained a team which included current men’s national coach Andrew McDonald against an Indian side led by Rahul Dravid.

Confirmation of the match means Australia will host the biggest Indian summer ever with the hugely supported Indian men’s and women’s teams playing in nine different venues Australia-wide throughout the summer.

Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP will meet with CA Chair of Selectors, George Bailey and selector, Tony Dodemaide shortly to discuss selection of the squad.

Tickets to the Prime Minister’s XI match are on sale now and available here.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“As friends and partners, the relationship between Australia and India has never been closer.

"It was an absolute honour to stand alongside Prime Minister Modi at the Fourth Test in Ahmedabad last year and celebrate both our nations’ love for cricket.

“Over the years I’ve loved watching players like Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble and Sachin Tendulkar so it’ll be great to see the PM’s XI face the Indian team in Canberra.

“I look forward to meeting with the National Selectors to discuss selection for the squad.”

CA Chair of Selectors, George Bailey said:

"Representing the PMs XI is a tremendous honour for any player given its rich history spanning across eight decades. This year’s match also presents an opportunity for players to impress against arguably the strongest side in world cricket.

“We look forward to sitting down with the Prime Minister to choose a side which will not only befit the match but include some of our brightest prospects and rising stars.”

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said:

“We’re delighted to confirm India’s involvement in this year’s Prime Minister’s XI match that emphasises the significance of the fixture on the cricketing calendar.

“The upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy Series will captivate the cricketing world. Today’s confirmation of the Prime Minister’s XI match is a terrific result for cricket fans, particularly in the ACT and surrounding regions, and adds to an incredible summer of cricket.”

 

[BouncerGuy]

Ponting provides series prediction for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The Australian provides his thoughts on how the five-match Test series will pan out at the end of the year.

ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has made an early call on who will win the critical Test series between Australia and India starting later this year and discussed the burning questions each side must answer in coming months.

Australia and India will battle it out in a five-match series commencing in November and the series looms as an important one for both teams in the run into next year's ICC World Test Championship final.

The team that claims the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could be well poised to earn a place in the one-off final at Lord's - India are currently first and Australia are second in current standings - and Ponting provided his predictions for the series when speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review.

Tight battle expected Down Under

While India have won the last two Test series in Australia and held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since they claimed a 4-1 series result on home soil in March 2017, Ponting thinks the hosts might have the edge this time around.

"It's going to be a competitive series and as I said I think Australia's got a bit of a point to prove against India in Australia on the back of what's happened the last the last two series here," Ponting noted.

"We are back to five Tests as well, which is the other really important thing about this series. It’s only been four Tests the last couple of times. Five tests, I think everyone's really excited by that and I don't know if there'd be too many drawn games.

"I'm obviously going to tip Australia to win and I'm never going to tip against Australia. There will be a draw somewhere and there will be some bad weather somewhere, so I'm going to say 3-1 to Australia."

Smith conundrum for Australia

Ponting isn't expecting too many surprises with Australia's team for the series, although he is unsure whether veteran batter Steve Smith will continue in his new role as opener.

Smith moved up the order following the departure of David Warner from the Test arena to allow star all-rounder Cameron Green to slot in at his preferred No.4 position and Ponting thinks this will likely continue.

"I think Australia will pretty much pick itself," Ponting suggested.

"Probably the only one question there might be with Australia again, is if (Steve) Smith's the right man to be opening the batting. That would be the only query that I can see there. But that was all about obviously bringing Cameron Green back into the side.

"So I'll rephrase it, not whether Smith's the right man to open the batting but whether he thinks it's the right spot for him. Because I think if he doesn't think it's the right spot then they'll make a change and get someone else back up there."

Potential selection bolter for India

India have some quality fast bowlers at their disposal, with Ponting a long-time admirer of the likes of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and fiery quick Mohammed Siraj.

The Australia great has also been impressed with left-armer Khaleel Ahmed, who claimed 17 wickets during the most recent edition of the Indian Premier League for the Delhi Capitals under the watchful eye of Ponting.

While Khaleel is yet to make his Test debut, Ponting thinks the 26-year-old could be a valuable addition to the touring party given his point of difference to the rest of India's quicks.

"Someone like Khaleel Ahmed I think could find himself on the Test tour," Ponting said.

“I know he's just been over in Zimbabwe recently and played that (T20I) series over there, but a left-armer would be ideal for them to have in their touring squad.

"(Mohammed) Shami will be back fit by then, (Mohammed) Siraj we know will be there abouts somewhere and obviously Bumrah is going nowhere. So both teams are going to line up really, really strongly."

Rivalry building with each series

While Australia's battles with England for the Ashes have long been regarded as the biggest rivalry in Test cricket, Ponting acknowledges the inroads India have made into this space in recent times.

"I think I was a part of it when that really started to grow, when the rivalry really started to grow, was it's right at the back end of my career," Ponting noted.

"And that's when I think India seemingly really started to stand up to the fight and say, OK you're playing against India now, this is a different Indian team, we've got different leaders and different players and we're going to do it whatever we can to beat you guys - whether it's in India or in Australia.

"I've said for the last couple of years now, Australia have always had a fierce rivalry with England, obviously, and a very strong rivalry with South Africa. But I think India is now sitting right on the back of what an Ashes clash is like and probably overtaken the rivalry with South Africa. So I mean, that's probably enough said. The fact that someone like me is looking at it in that way. I'm sure the players look at it in the same way as well and I'm really excited for the summer.

"There'll be a lot of Indian broadcasters out there. There'll be a lot of Indian fans out here. India will bring a really strong team here. And we know Australia are World Test Champions at the moment so it should be a mouth-watering summer again."

ICC

 

[U$ofA]

Will be an excellent series. I think Aus. is going to win. Ponting is right on the 3-1 score line. He is also right that Aus-Ind is the second biggest test rivalry currently.

The Big1 and the Secondary2 playing a lot of cricket amongst themselves in the coming months/year(s). Lot's of money will be generated for ECB and CA. Especially CA as they have Ind and Eng back to back summers.

 

[Bewal Express]

Australia A v India A Showdowns Part of the Blockbuster Indian Summer

Two four-day matches between Australia A and India A and a three-day internal match comprising players from the Indian Test squad and India A will precede the NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy series as the top-ranked Test nations prepare for their hugely anticipated showdown.

The lead-up games mean Australia will host the biggest Indian summer ever with the hugely supported Indian men’s and women’s teams playing in Australia over 69 days from first ball to last and in eight different venues Australia-wide.

The Australia A v India A matches will be played at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay (31 Oct-3 Nov) and the MCG (7-10 Nov) respectively, with the Indian internal match to take place at the WACA Ground (15 Nov-17 Nov) with players pushing their case for selection ahead of the West Test.

Peter Roach, CA Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling said:

“The 2024-25 summer is highlighted by the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, the first five-Test series between the two giants in more than 30 years. To have that running simultaneously with the women’s ODIs and preceded by two significant Australia A v India A matches will be terrific for our fans.

“Hosting those A matches at the upgraded Great Barrier Reef Arena and the MCG give these A matches significant status and will provide great opportunities to players from both sides to put up their hand for selection.”

India Tours of Australia 2024

Men’s Australia A v India A Series

31 October-3 November 2024: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

7 November-10 November 2024: MCG, Melbourne

India Men’s Internal Game

15 November-17 November: WACA Ground, Perth

NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series

22-26 November 2024: Perth Stadium, Perth

6-10 December 2024: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)

14-18 December 2024: The Gabba, Brisbane

26-30 December 2024: MCG, Melbourne

3-7 January 2025: SCG, Sydney

CA​

The D/N tests are a total waste of time. Unless they get a better ball, it has no future

 

[Devadwal]

going to be a competitive series and as I said I think Australia's got a bit of a point to prove against India in Australia on the back of what's happened the last the last two series here," Ponting noted.

Very important points aa Australia is preparing very hard because they were won BGT series last time a decade ago .

 

[sweep_shot]

Will be an excellent series. I think Aus. is going to win. Ponting is right on the 3-1 score line. He is also right that Aus-Ind is the second biggest test rivalry currently.

The Big1 and the Secondary2 playing a lot of cricket amongst themselves in the coming months/year(s). Lot's of money will be generated for ECB and CA. Especially CA as they have Ind and Eng back to back summers.

Agree with Ponting.

I also think it should be 3-1 to Australia.

 

[Hitman]

I've lost count of the number of times I've said this, the Aussies are a completely different breed. Winning 3 Test series in a row for India in Australia is highly unlikely.

 

[U$ofA]

Agree with Ponting.

I also think it should be 3-1 to Australia.

I think Aus. have lost like 3 or 4 series in a row. I think the teams are fairly even. Home advantage will tip in favor of Aus.

 

[Ab Fan]

I've lost count of the number of times I've said this, the Aussies are a completely different breed. Winning 3 Test series in a row for India in Australia is highly unlikely.

They will come very well prepared for this series. They will treat this as a big stake/occasion series, and their preparations will be at that level too. Nobody would want to lose three back to back home series at home and certainly not Australia.

3-1 is very likely.

 

[deltexas]

AUs for sure fave here. And Ind win is not an upset but will be a pleasant surprise. Cummins will plan for this meticulously. But as seen in the previous Ashes in Eng - if Aus bowlers are put under pressure they get rattled and their plans go haywire. So its up to Ind if they can press the pedal to the metal here. Plus its a 5 test series in along time for Ind - that will test their resilience and physical preparation. Certainly not an easy challenge. A big opportunity for Ind will absence of Warner. He sets the tone for them. And Khwaja is a defensive player - he will never take the game away, so Ind should exploit that

 

[Devadwal]

Agree with Ponting.

I also think it should be 3-1 to Australia.

Last time ponting was predicted 4-0 to Australia but rest is history .

Never ever underestimate indians .

 

[U$ofA]

I've lost count of the number of times I've said this, the Aussies are a completely different breed. Winning 3 Test series in a row for India in Australia is highly unlikely.

They will come very well prepared for this series. They will treat this as a big stake/occasion series, and their preparations will be at that level too. Nobody would want to lose three back to back home series at home and certainly not Australia.

3-1 is very likely.

AUs for sure fave here. And Ind win is not an upset but will be a pleasant surprise. Cummins will plan for this meticulously. But as seen in the previous Ashes in Eng - if Aus bowlers are put under pressure they get rattled and their plans go haywire. So its up to Ind if they can press the pedal to the metal here. Plus its a 5 test series in along time for Ind - that will test their resilience and physical preparation. Certainly not an easy challenge. A big opportunity for Ind will absence of Warner. He sets the tone for them. And Khwaja is a defensive player - he will never take the game away, so Ind should exploit that

Last time ponting was predicted 4-0 to Australia but rest is history .

Never ever underestimate indians .

Whatever the predictions and whatever the actual results are, one thing is certain. Humongous payday for CA. With this being a 5 test series, and big interest from the Ind. audience, expect everyone to make $$$$.

Which is good news for Aus. cricketers. Perhaps better pay coming their way. For Aus. fans in terms of better facilities and better experience.

 

[Devadwal]

Whatever the predictions and whatever the actual results are, one thing is certain. Humongous payday for CA. With this being a 5 test series, and big interest from the Ind. audience, expect everyone to make $$$$.

Which is good news for Aus. cricketers. Perhaps better pay coming their way. For Aus. fans in terms of better facilities and better experience.

Yes .India - Australia test series is most competitive test series in world cricket .

 

[Buffet]

Perth,Adelaide (D/N), Brisbane is first 3 tests.

Is seems, Aus is really tired of losing 4 back to back series against India.

 

[Devadwal]

Perth,Adelaide (D/N), Brisbane is first 3 tests.

Is seems, Aus is really tired of losing 4 back to back series against India.

Yes they are really trying hard to win a series against india after a decade

But doesn't matter where they will play indian team can win anywhere , yes Australia is slightly favourite but still I think this will be close series.

 

[mominsaigol]

Yes they are really trying hard to win a series against india after a decade

But doesn't matter where they will play indian team can win anywhere , yes Australia is slightly favourite but still I think this will be close series.

It really depends, the series can go either way.

 

[Devadwal]

It really depends, the series can go either way.

Nah its not anymore .india now have all weather bowling attacks so doesn't matter where they play .

 

[Devadwal]

Khaleel is useless bowler . akashdeep and harshit rana are way better than him .

Punter clearly want australia to win the series .

 

[harshjoshi87]

2-2 draw.

Btw i would like India to win the BGT series again and maintain their unbeaten record which they have held on since 2014/15.

 

[Devadwal]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1823572657343983831

This series will be huge money maker for Australia .

 

[FearlessRoar]

Desperate Hazlewood eager to beat India in BGT: 'Should win every home series'​

Star Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is eager to beat India in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Notably, Australia will host India for a five-match Test series from 22 November. India have had an upper hand over the Aussies in the last four series played between the two teams having beaten them on four all occasions.

Australia last beat India in a bilateral Test series in 2014-15 by 2-0 under the leadership of Michael Clarke and Virat Kohli. Ahead of the upcoming highly anticipated encounter between the two sides, Hazlewood is desperate to tick off probably one last thing remaining in Australia’s dominant run in international cricket over the past few years.

"There are quite a few players who have never beaten India in a Test series. It's quite astounding to say that. That's one we need to tick off, definitely, in particular at home - we should pretty much win every series here at home,” was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Further speaking ahead, Hazlewood recalled the famous Adelaide Test from 2020-21 BGT series where they bundled them out for their lowest score of 36. However, the 33-year-old acknowledged India’s ‘unbelievable’ depth in all three formats calling their B side sometimes even stronger than their best team.

"That last series we obviously bowled them out for 36 in Adelaide and we thought here we go, [we are] back at home [and] confident on these grounds. People say we played India B in that last Test, but they can sometimes be stronger than the best team. They've got unbelievable depth in all formats and we are starting to see that now,” he added.

Josh Hazlewood vary of India's depth ahead of Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-15

Star Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is eager to beat India in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 calling it something to 'tick off' in his list.

www.indiatoday.in

 

[RexRex]

2-2 draw.

Btw i would like India to win the BGT series again and maintain their unbeaten record which they have held on since 2014/15.

It's a 5 test series, I'd put it at 3-2 in India's favour.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Australia keen to overturn recent home woes against India

Nathan Lyon highlighted that Australia are determined to turn around their disappointments in recent home Test series against India.
Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has declared that Australia are "extremely hungry" to turn around their recent struggles in home Tests against India.

With disappointments in the last two Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at home, Lyon has stated that his side has "10 years of unfinished business" when India tours Down Under later this year.

"It's been 10 years of unfinished business. It's been a long time," Lyon said.

"I know I'm extremely hungry to turn things around and make sure we get that trophy back, that's for sure."

In 2020-21, a depleted Indian side stunned Australia 2-1 in one of the most sensational series wins since the beginning of the ICC World Test Championship.

In the series prior to that in 2018-19 too, India had trumped the Aussies 2-1.

Reflecting on the losses, Lyon said that the team is on the path to becoming a great outfit right now.

"I often reflect on a lot of series and where we potentially could have done better, even when we win series," he said.

"I feel that's incredibly important in your learning, to be able to sit back and reflect and understand what you did well and what you didn't do well. There's a few things that I feel like we can do.

I feel like we're a different team to a couple of years ago and on a journey to becoming a great Australian cricket team. We're definitely not there, but we're along that journey."

Australia's last Test series win against India extends back to 2014-15, nearly a decade ago, when the hosts won 2-0. This summer, India will play five Tests, instead of the usual four, in the series against Australia.

Australia are prepared to play a full-strength attack for all five Tests. Skipper Pat Cummins declared that he will take an eight-week break to recharge for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

"I've basically been bowling non-stop since the World Test Championship final, nearly 18 months ago," Cummins told Fox Sports.

"This gives me a good seven or eight weeks completely off bowling so the body can recover, then you start building up again for the summer."

"There's a few factors there, but I'm always planning to play all five [Tets matches]," Hazlewood, another key component of the attack, said.

The two sides will compete for crucial World Test Championship points in the five-match series, starting 22 November, in Perth.

Australia keen to overturn recent home woes against India

Nathan Lyon highlighted that Australia are determined to turn around their disappointments in recent home Test series against India.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

They are creating hype as if the Ashes were going to happen between India and Australia.

 

[Devadwal]

They are creating hype as if the Ashes were going to happen between India and Australia.

This series is deserved all the hype.

BGT is best test series and most competitive in world cricket .

The way Australian player's are talking about BGT even before 3 months show's that they are very desperately needed to win it

 

[Buffet]

They are creating hype as if the Ashes were going to happen between India and Australia.

It's simply due to losing 4 test series in a row which included 2 series at home. No team would like that and Aus has a strong record, particualrly at home. Two best teams in the last 10 years. You do want to come on top some time.

 

[Buffet]

This series is deserved all the hype.

BGT is best test series and most competitive in world cricket .

The way Australian player's are talking about BGT even before 3 months show's that they are very desperately needed to win it

That's true but main reason is losing 2 back to back home test series.

Aus losing in India and India losing in Aus despite being competitiive would have gotten a milder reaction, but Aus does not want to lose third time at home. Ind and Aus have competed very well even in past.

I think Aus will win it. It's a 5 test series and venue sequence is there to help Aus. Pujara was major pain for Aus and this time he is not there.

 

[Devadwal]

What will be bigger for indian fans ?

Third Consecutive Border–Gavaskar Trophy win in Australia
Or WTC final win?

 

[Devadwal]

That's true but main reason is losing 2 back to back home test series.

Aus losing in India and India losing in Aus despite being competitiive would have gotten a milder reaction, but Aus does not want to lose third time at home. Ind and Aus have competed very well even in past.

I think Aus will win it. It's a 5 test series and venue sequence is there to help Aus. Pujara was major pain for Aus and this time he is not there.

If india can keep series alive going to MCG test then We can win BGT .

Yes it will be very difficult but i still think we will give Australia very tough time one again.

All depends how we will fare in first three test .

 

[kron]

It really depends, the series can go either way.

I think 2-1 aus
One rained out game
.put your life savings on it

One will be a boring draw.

Indian batting is suspect. Gill isn't the sane etc.

 

[AMSS]

As always, the series would be decided not on the expected performance from players. It's the outlier performances that'd decide the series.

India won the last two series because of outlier performances from their players such Pant, Pujara etc. Even Vihari.

Outlier could also be in terms of underperformance like Lyon, Smith etc.

Improbable that we'd have this alignment of outlier (over and under) performances in India's favor for the 3rd time in a row.

1. If both teams perform within the range of their averages - AUS wins

2. If both teams has similar over/under performance outliers - AUS wins

3. If India has outlier over performance and AUS has outlier under performances - IND wins

4. If India has outlier over performance and AUS performs within their average range - competitive series that could go either way

This is also known as home advantage.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

They are creating hype as if the Ashes were going to happen between India and Australia.

Well worth the hype. The 2 best sides in Test cricket battling it out - it's one of the few times that Test cricket really shines.

Especially after watching a trundling Pakistani attack on day 1 in Australia last season.

 

[kron]

As always, the series would be decided not on the expected performance from players. It's the outlier performances that'd decide the series.

India won the last two series because of outlier performances from their players such Pant, Pujara etc. Even Vihari.

Outlier could also be in terms of underperformance like Lyon, Smith etc.

Improbable that we'd have this alignment of outlier (over and under) performances in India's favor for the 3rd time in a row.

1. If both teams perform within the range of their averages - AUS wins

2. If both teams has similar over/under performance outliers - AUS wins

3. If India has outlier over performance and AUS has outlier under performances - IND wins

4. If India has outlier over performance and AUS performs within their average range - competitive series that could go either way

This is also known as home advantage.

If both teams play to their potential I would say india would be ahead slightly. But home conditions sway in favour of aus. So aus are favourites still.

 

[sindhiboy]

Aus lost to the Windies and even got scares vs Pakistan and New Zealand. India have won the last two tours to Aus.

Aus may still win this series, but India are still the clear favorites as of now.

Australian pitches have been very seamer friendly in the past year, interesting to see how the Indian batters fare this time.

 

[harshjoshi87]

It's a 5 test series, I'd put it at 3-2 in India's favour.

Yes I know it's 5 test matches this time, but it rains most of time in Sydney.

 

[Devadwal]

Steven Smith said, "I don't have any retirement plans. I'm looking forward to the Border Gavaskar Trophy. India is going to be a great challenge, they're a very good side. We're the two best Test teams in the world

 

[Devadwal]

Scott Boland said, "Virat Kohli is a big wicket. It'll be nice to get his wicket in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy".

So so far We have seen comments from Australia players like Cummins, Lyon, Hazelwood ,Smith and Boland about border Gavaskar trophy.

Australian team are taking Border Gavaskar Trophy seriously more than anything. Already started hyping it with statements. It’s going to be fun

 

[Devadwal]

Onus is on Australia to prove they are the dominant force at home. India know how to go away and win overseas," said Gilchrist

Naturally, I'm going to say Australia, hope they get there. But it's too close to call. It will be a close tussle.