The Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is about to get underway as the fans are waiting to see a much-awaited rivalry between India and Australia. Every time these two teams play, the matches are always intense, especially in test cricket. Also, the mind games and a series of statements are very common from both the countries’ media and former cricketers. Sometimes, the statements are against the opposition and sometimes in praise. Justin Langer, former Australian legend and former Australian coach has talked about the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and touched on a lot of points.
The Aussie legend backs under pressure Indian batters for the upcoming BGT 2024-25. Justin Langer also praised Virat Kohli and the other members of the Indian team and talked about the previous achievements of the Indian team in Australia. Today, we will see what Langer has said about the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in the context of the Indian team. So let’s dive into it quickly.
India-Australia tests to begin on November 22
Team India will play a highly intense test series against Australia in a Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The series will begin on November 22 with the first test at Perth in the Optus Stadium. The rivalry between India and Australia is one of the most intense and celebrated in the sport, marked by fiercely competitive matches and high-stakes contests across all formats. Known for its blend of high-quality cricket and emotional intensity, this rivalry showcases the best of both teams, with India’s dynamic batting lineup and world-class bowlers clashing against Australia’s aggressive fast bowlers and resilient batting order.
Matches between these two powerhouses often produce thrilling moments, from close finishes to legendary individual performances, and are eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide. The rivalry is fueled by a history of iconic series and is characterized by mutual respect, occasional heated exchanges, and an unwavering determination to win.
A tough series ahead for the Indian team
The Indian team is under a lot of pressure right now going before this BGT. They have recently lost a 3-match test series against New Zealand at home for the first time. Not just the series, India has been clean-swept in a 3-match home test series for the first time in history. Their batters’ confidence is shattered after playing on those spicy turning pitches at home and the injury concerns looming for the team as well.
Justin Langer warned the hosts to not underestimate the Indian team
The Australian legend Justin Langer, while talking to the West Australian has warned the hosts (Australia) to not underestimate the Indian cricket team. After India’s home test series loss against NZ, a lot of talk is about how the Indian team will handle the Australian challenge. A lot of media and fans think it will be difficult for Team India this time in Australia.
Justin Langer admits that the Indian team will be under pressure after the NZ series loss, but warned the hosts to not take them lightly as they are the champion team. He also reminded the past success of the Indian team in Australia. Langer also acknowledges the ability of the Indian team to fight back under pressure.
While talking to the West Australian, he said – “You can’t write off the champions. They (India) are the champions for a reason. It will be interesting to see how they will fight back as one and a half billion cricket-loving people in India expect nothing but excellence. (Quoted by us).
Langer on people writing off Rohit and Virat
Both, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli didn’t have great outings in the last 5 tests at home. Rohit has only managed to score 91 runs while Virat has only scored 93 runs in the NZ series. Both batters are going through a slight dip in batting form in the longest format.
Langer backed both the Indian batters to come good. He also said Virat is a superstar and praised the other Indian team members as well.
“And they (Rohit and Virat) are getting right off for being too old. People say that every time. I can’t wait to see them play. Virat is a superstar, so is Rohit, so is Ashwin, so is Jadeja, so is Bumrah.” – Langer said (Quoted by us).
Langer also praised the NZ team for a test series win in India
Justin Langer appreciates the effort that the NZ team has made in India. He said it’s a big achievement winning 3-0 in India. Langer thinks India will feel humbled and looks to rectify themselves in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy. They will be determined as the pressure will be on them.
Conclusion
So this is what Langer has to say about the upcoming BGT and the Indian team. He is also excited to see a senior pace attack of Australia in this series. A tough series coming up for the Indian team and the unavailability of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the first test makes it more challenging for them.
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FAQs:-
(1) Who has scored the most runs in the last BGT in Australia?
The last BGT in Australia was a historic one for Team India. They have won the series by 2-1 against the odds. Marnus Labuschagne has scored the most runs (426) in that series.
(2) Which batter has scored the most runs in India vs Australia tests?
Sachin Tendulkar has scored the most runs in the India vs Australia tests. He has played 39 tests against Australia and scored 3630 runs in 74 innings with an average of 55. The batter has 15 fifties and 11 hundred to his name against Australia in tests.
(3) Who will lead the Indian team in the first test in the absence of Rohit Sharma?
Jasprit Bumrah is likely to lead Team India in the first test against Australia in Perth.
