The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is considered one the fiercest rivalries in Test cricket. Whenever India and Australia have locked horns with each other, there have been some memorable moments and stellar performances on the field.
Australia and India, currently ranked number one and two respectively in ICC Men’s Test team rankings will face off in a four-match series, starting on February 9, to relive the fierce rivalry between the two teams.
India is the current holder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won the last three series against Australia in 2017, 2018-19, and 2020-21. A 4-0 series win for India would help them attain a points percentage of 68.06, which is likely to be enough for a crucial top-two finish in the WTC standings.
Also Read: Ind-Aus : Virat Kohli can be more aggressive against spinners: Irfan Pathan
When the two legendary teams will clash, it will be interesting to see who will have the upper hand. Let’s a have look at the players to watch out for when the highly anticipated rivalry takes off in Nagpur.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, one of the best batters produced by Indian cricket, has been in red-hot form after a slump in recent years. He has restored his signature aggressive style against his opponents in white ball cricket recently.
It should be great to see how the run-machine, known for his extraordinary focus and well-timed shots, will showcase his finest skills when he takes the field against Australia.
Kohli has amazing records against Australia. He has scored 1682 runs at an average of 48.05 in 20 matches including seven centuries and five half-centuries.
Steve Smith
Steve Smith is one of the most dependable batters in Australia. He is in impressive form and a lot of expectations are riding on him.
In the recent series against South Africa, he amassed 231 runs in four innings. It will not be easy for Indian bowlers to get past Smith in the upcoming series.In the 92 matches he has played so far, the 33-year-old batter has amassed 8647 runs and has a stupendous average of 60.9.
Not to forget, the Australian is the only batter from either side to have scored over 750 runs in a Border-Gavaskar series. In 2014-15, Steve Smith smashed India’s bowling and scored 769 runs at an average of 128.16 in 8 innings with the help of four tons.
Nathan Lyon
Seasoned off-spinner Nathan Lyon is the third bowler and the only Australian to make the top five list of leading wicket-takers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with 94 wickets in 41 innings at an average of 34.75. His best bowling figures of eight for 50 in an innings came in Bengaluru in 2017 on a turning track.
The 35-year-old could be a major threat to the Indian team throughout the Test series. He has an edge over most of India’s top-order batsmen, which is evident from the number of times he has knocked them over in Tests.
Lyon, who has 460 Test wickets in 115 matches, has dismissed Kohli seven times in Test cricket.
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