India Vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy Rivalry Is Like The Ashes: Ricky Ponting

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to begin on November 22 at Perth's Optus Stadium. Ricky Ponting, a Hall of Famer, has likened the Australia-India cricket rivalry to the Ashes, highlighting its significance in world cricket. He emphasised the importance of maintaining a competitive yet fair spirit throughout the series. Ponting expects intense matches, played with both teams pushing their limits.

Ponting remarked on the rivalry's intensity, stating, "Australia-England, with the history of the Ashes, but Australia-India is not far behind that and it's built up over a long period." He expressed his desire to see both teams play hard and fair across the five games. "Not wanting to give an inch to the opposition," he added, reflecting on the fierce competition expected.

Upcoming Test Matches

The series will commence in Perth on November 22. Following this, a day-night Test will be held in Adelaide from December 6 to 10. The third Test is scheduled at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18. The iconic Boxing Day Test will take place at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The final match will conclude at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.

Ponting also highlighted how significant this rivalry has become in sports globally. "That's the beauty of these great rivalries in world sport," he said. He believes that an Australia-India Test match now stands as one of the biggest rivalries not just in cricket but across all sports.
Squads for First Test

For India, Rohit Sharma will lead as captain with Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain. Other key players include Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. Australia's squad features Pat Cummins as captain and includes players like Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc. Both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting series.