(Reuters Photo)
As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, former Australian cricketer Geoff Lawson offers his insights on this highly awaited clash between two of the sport’s toughest teams.
With 2-3 months remaining before the series, both teams are still finalizing their squad combinations. Reflecting on the upcoming series, Lawson highlighted the contrasting dynamics within the Indian team. He noted that while Virat Kohli will bring his usual intensity, Jasprit Bumrah could potentially connect with the Australian crowds and become a fan favorite.
“Virat Kohli will play the faux villain to Jasprit Bumrah’s likeable nature. Bumrah has the fast bowler privilege of [spending] half a life at fine leg which gives him the ideal chance to interact with the crowd, winning smiles and hearts while Kohli will lurk in the infield appealing vociferously, fielding magnificently and engaging verbally with any Australian player so inclined to conversation, and there will be one or two of those,” Lawson was quoted by Mid-day.
Although Virat Kohli has built a reputation for his on-field aggression, at 35, the Indian star has adopted a more approachable demeanor. Despite this shift in attitude, Lawson believes that regardless of Kohli’s current persona, fans can still expect runs from him, as his class as a batter remains undeniable.
“Aussie crowds love a competitor like Kohli, they may give him some grief if he plays the antagonist but you can guarantee that if he makes 50s and 100s he will be loudly applauded by the fans. He has shown a liking for Australian conditions ever since his first tour 13 years ago. Bounce and pace suited his two-footed game but the question in 2024 is whether he still has the razor sharpness to best Australia’s attack on their home surfaces. I wouldn’t count him out,” he added.
The former fast bowler praised current captain Pat Cummins for uniting the team and leading them to success on the global stage. However, Lawson views the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as the last missing piece in Cummins’ trophy collection. Since India secured the trophy in their home series win in 2016, it’s now time for the formidable Australians to reclaim it.
“Pat Cummins may smile a lot but his competitiveness is ingrained and powerful. Having hinted at a never faltering mindset, some Australian players have been quoted as having unfinished business. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been loaned to the BCCI for a decade, it’s time to get it back on the trophy shelves in Jolimont (Cricket Australia’s headquarters in Victoria). Australia may hold the World Test Championship but without a home series win against India, the crown sits unsteadily,” claimed Lawson
