One in every of cricket’s most intense and storied rivalries returns as India will face Australia within the first Take a look at, which is able to consist of 5 video games, of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 on November 22 in Perth.
India’s current triumphs clouded by doubts
Over the previous decade, India have asserted their dominance, successful the coveted trophy 4 consecutive occasions, with historic triumphs in 2018/19 and 2020/21. This time, the stakes are greater than ever, with essential World Take a look at Championship (WTC) factors and a ticket to the Lord’s closing on the road.
Whereas Rohit Sharma‘s males enter the collection recent off a commanding 3-0 collection whitewash in opposition to New Zealand at dwelling, the group faces mounting strain. Critics have questioned whether or not India’s skilled stalwarts can nonetheless ship on the massive stage, particularly in difficult abroad situations. Perth’s pace-friendly floor will likely be a stern take a look at for India’s lineup, which has traditionally relied on its robust batting core and a flexible bowling assault.
Nathan Lyon reveals the hardest Indian batter
Australia’s ace spinner Nathan Lyon, who has dismissed Kohli seven occasions in Take a look at cricket, acknowledges the Indian batter’s risk, calling him “the hardest batter I’ve ever confronted,”.
Talking to Fox Cricket, Lyon, reflecting on the elite batters he has bowled to, named Virat Kohli as one of many biggest gamers of the sport, alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma.
Highlighting Kohli’s distinctive ability, Lyon praised his potential to play spin, his lightning-fast palms, and his outstanding knack for selecting up size shortly, calling it “unbelievable.” Regardless of the dismissals, Kohli has averaged a formidable 75.6 in opposition to Lyon and scored run 529 runs within the longest format, establishing an enthralling duel between two seasoned campaigners.
“I’ve bowled in opposition to among the greats—real greats of the sport – from Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman, Sehwag, to Rohit. There’s quite a lot of guys. I do know everybody will most likely sit right here and choose Virat, and there’s most likely a good purpose for that. He’s one of many greats of the sport already. The power for him to play spin, how briskly his palms are, and the way shortly he picks up the size is unbelievable,” Lyon stated.
Additionally READ: Crew India’s flare in Australia: From struggles to historic triumphs in Take a look at cricket
Australia’s trump card and champion below the highlight
Lyon, with a outstanding 530 Take a look at wickets in 129 matches, stays a key determine in Australia’s bowling arsenal. The 36-year-old off-spinner has traditionally troubled Indian batters together with his flight, flip, and management. Lyon’s expertise will likely be important in supporting Australia’s formidable tempo assault in Perth. His head-to-head rivalry with Kohli provides an additional layer of intrigue, with Lyon keen to use the batter’s current vulnerabilities and lead Australia’s cost.
The collection opener brings renewed give attention to Kohli, one of the crucial prolific Take a look at batters of the trendy period. Though Kohli has endured a lean run in red-ball cricket since 2020, his document in Australia is nothing in need of distinctive. Throughout 13 Exams on Australian soil, Kohli has amassed 1352 runs at a formidable common of 54.08, with six centuries and 4 half-centuries. Because the spine of India’s batting lineup, his kind might decide the collection end result.
