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Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024
Australia will face India in a five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024 series, beginning on November 22 in Perth. This marks the first five-match Test series between the two nations since the 1991/92 season.
The Australian team is eager to break their losing streak against India, having been defeated in their last four Test series. Their biggest concern is losing two consecutive series on home turf, with their last win over India on Australian soil dating back to the 2014/15 season.
Australia’s squad seems well-set, though they will be without all-rounder Cameron Green, who is recovering from back surgery. The team will rely on their experienced players, including captain Pat Cummins and key batsmen like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
The timing may work in Australia’s favor, as India is still reeling from a 3-0 loss to New Zealand in a recent home series, which ended their 12-year unbeaten run at home. India will also be missing captain Rohit Sharma for the Perth Test in, and Shubman Gill is unavailable due to a thumb injury.
Australia’s Squad for Border Gavaskar Trophy –
Pat Cummins (C), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Alex Carey (Wk), Josh Inglis (Wk), Nathan McSweeney.
Expected Playing XI-
Openers- Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney.
Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja are expected to open the batting against India. McSweeney will likely replace Steve Smith at the top of the order, with Smith moving down the lineup. Over the past two years, McSweeney has averaged 42.25 in First-Class cricket, including six centuries.
Usman Khawaja, who will partner McSweeney at the crease, is nearing the end of his career and will be keen to make a significant contribution. However, 2024 has not been his strongest year, with an average of 30 across five Test matches.
Middle Order- Marcus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(WK).
Labuschagne has been exceptional at Optus Stadium, with an impressive average of 103 from three Tests, including three centuries and a double century. Although his form has dipped slightly in 2024, he remains a vital figure in the middle order. Smith, returning to No. 4, has an outstanding record against India, averaging 65, and an even better 88 at Optus, with an unbeaten double century to his name.
Head’s aggressive and fearless approach makes him a constant danger to opposition bowlers, while Marsh, doubling as the fourth pacer, is expected to contribute significantly with both bat and ball at Optus. Carey must rise to the occasion, delivering solid performances with both bat and gloves to support the team in this high-stakes series, where every contribution counts.
Lower Order- Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Cummins is leading his first home series as captain against India. He has been effective at Optus Stadium, taking 12 wickets in four Tests at an average of 20.16.
Mitchell Starc, with 23 wickets in four Tests at Optus and an average of 19, will aim to improve his record against India, where his average stands at 38.54.
Nathan Lyon, Australia’s top spinner, has claimed 121 wickets against India, including nine five-wicket hauls. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood’s accuracy and his 51 wickets in 15 Tests will pose a strong challenge to India’s top order.
Bench- Scott Boland, Josh Inglis.
Fast bowler Scott Boland and aggressive batter Josh Inglis are both part of the squad but are currently on the bench. They are fully prepared to replace any player in the starting XI in case of an injury, providing crucial depth to the team and ensuring readiness for any situation.
Also Read- India’s Playing XI for the first Test: https://cricinside365.com/india-playing-xi-border-gavaskar-trophy-2024/
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