India and Australia are set to clash in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, starting this Friday. With memories of India’s historic 2021 Brisbane victory still fresh, both teams aim to prove their mettle despite recent dips in form. Here’s a detailed analysis of the series, including Dream11 predictions, schedules, pitch and weather reports, squads, and more.
Table of Contents
IND vs AUS Test Match Series Overview
India faces a daunting task of achieving a 4-0 series win to keep their World Test Championship final hopes alive. Australia’s strong home record presents a formidable challenge, but India’s past performances Down Under suggest they are capable of an upset.
Key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin will play crucial roles. Kohli’s track record in Australia, including his iconic four centuries in 2014, and Cheteshwar Pujara’s resilience add to the intrigue of the series.
IND vs AUS Test Match Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | November 24-28, 2024 | Optus Stadium, Perth |
| 2nd Test | December 3-7, 2024 | Adelaide Oval |
| 3rd Test | December 15-19, 2024 | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| 4th Test | December 26-30, 2024 | Sydney Cricket Ground |
Pitch and Weather Report
Optus Stadium Pitch Report
- Characteristics: The pitch at Perth is known for its pace and bounce, favouring fast bowlers.
- Batting Conditions: Ideal for batting during the first two days.
- Spin Factor: Spinners who can extract bounce will become impactful in the latter stages.
Weather Forecast
Clear skies are expected throughout the first Test, ensuring uninterrupted play. Temperatures will range between 18°C to 30°C.
Head-to-Head Stats: India vs Australia in Tests
- Matches Played: 107
- Australia Wins: 45
- India Wins: 32
- Tied Matches: 1
- Drawn Matches: 29
IND vs AUS Team Squads
India Squad
- Captain: Jasprit Bumrah
- Key Players: Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rishabh Pant (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar
Australia Squad
- Captain: Pat Cummins
- Key Players: Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja
Dream11 Prediction: IND vs AUS
Dream11 Playing XI
- Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant
- Batters: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne
- All-rounders: Ravichandran Ashwin, Nathan McSweeney
- Bowlers: Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep
Key Players to Watch
India
- Virat Kohli: With a stellar record in Australia, Kohli will be pivotal to India’s batting lineup.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Leading the pace attack, Bumrah’s performance will be critical against Australia’s vulnerable batting order.
Australia
- Steve Smith: Known for his dominance in the Test format, Smith remains Australia’s backbone.
- Nathan Lyon: The experienced spinner will play a crucial role on pitches that assist spin.
Conclusion
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises high-intensity cricket as India battles to secure a World Test Championship final spot. With both teams boasting world-class talent, the series will likely hinge on individual brilliance and team strategy. Stay tuned for a thrilling contest!