IND vs AUS Perth Test: The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is not just a cricket series, but a proper masala-packed blockbuster with high stakes for both teams, boss! When this year’s FTP came, the T20 World Cup 2024 was obviously the biggest cricketing spectacle. But, the second biggest? It is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). A new chapter will add to the intense India vs Australia rivalry as the Men in Blue enter the Australian shores with two massive BGT wins Down Under.
Rohit Sharma-less India ready to roar?
Team India have a massive pressure on their back after getting thoroughly hammered by New Zealand at home. The Rohit Sharma-led side saw an unprecedented fate as they were completely bamboozled with spin. At Perth, India would be without skipper Rohit Sharma but Jasprit Bumrah and his men would be desperate to make a comeback. While Rohit has asked the BCCI to join the Indian on the third day of the Perth Test, injuries have not helped India.
KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan and Virat Kohli all dealt blows while practicing. Thankfully, all are fit to play the Perth Test. However, the new number three batter Shubman Gill ‘fractured’ his left thumb while fielding at slips in the match simulation against India A. Mohammed Shami, who has 31 wickets at an average of 32 in Australia, couldn’t make it for the 1st Test too.
Favourites Australia or no?
Australia are itching to settle old scores after consecutive series defeats at home. While Australia have one of the most dangerous bowling attacks, their batting lineup looks shakier this time. Steve Smith’s current form is barely touching 36, while Marnus Labuschagne’s average has dipped lower massively (From Av 65 (2019-21) to Av 33 (2022 to so far). Not a comforting scenario for the Aussies, no?
More on BGT
As for Australia, skipper Pat Cummins would be hugely determined to get his hands on this prestigious BGT trophy. The lad has won it all, from World Cups to the Ashes, but the BGT title has avoided him. Cummins has all the arsenal with him to claim the five-match series, starting in Perth on November 22. Australia are one of the most settled Test teams, especially at home.
IND vs AUS: Implications on WTC 2025
The World Test Championship (WTC) Final qualification has transformed the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy into a potential elimination tournament, with India and Australia walking a razor-thin line between glory and disappointment. To maintain a realistic chance of reaching the final, the team must win the five-match series against Australia with a dominant 4-1 or 5-0 scoreline. Even such a commanding performance might not guarantee their qualification, depending on the results of other teams like New Zealand and South Africa.
The points percentage (PCT) scenario reveals the mathematical intricacy of their challenge. Currently, Australia can reach a maximum of 76.31% PCT, while India stands at 69.29%. This means India must not only win convincingly but also hope that other teams do not maximize their points through their remaining matches.
A 5-0 series victory would be India’s most secure path. In this scenario, India would reach its maximum PCT of 69.29%, and crucially, Australia would be prevented from reaching higher than 50% PCT. However, even a 4-1 win would increase India’s PCT to 64.04%, though this would still depend on Australia’s performance against Sri Lanka. New Zealand’s three matches against England, Sri Lanka’s series against Australia, and South Africa’s upcoming matches could all potentially impact India’s qualification hopes too.
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