Adam Gilchrist previews the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–2025, saying, “The onus is on Australia to prove they are the dominant force at home”

Legendary wicketkeeper-battler Adam Gilchrist is hoping that when India visits Australia later this year to participate in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia can prove to the world that they are still a formidable force at home.

Australia has not won the BGT since the 2014–15 season. India regained the much-coveted championship in 2017 and have maintained a firm grip on it by outperforming Australia both at home and away. In their last two Test series played in Australia, India has prevailed.

In their own backyard, they defeated the Australians 2-1 in 2018/19 and 2020/21. When Rohit Sharma and company play Pat Cummins’ team in the much awaited five-match series, which begins later this year in November, they will be looking to earn a hat-trick of series victories.

Gilchrist, a former cricketer for Australia, cautioned Cummins and associates regarding India’s capacity to triumph away from home. The 52-year-old anticipates that there will be fierce competition for the upcoming BGT.

“Australia has to demonstrate that they are the leading nation at home. India is adept at winning abroad,” Adam Gilchrist remarked in an interview with The Times of India.

“Australia, of course, is my first choice; I hope they make it there. However, it’s too near to say. It’s going to be a close contest,” the former cricket player turned pundit said.

Australia, who defeated India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in England last year, will be optimistic about their prospects of achieving a favourable outcome. In terms of their batting lineup, India is going through a transitional period. In recent times, the selectors have given young players like Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal opportunities, and they have performed well.

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It will be extremely difficult, though, to take on the powerful trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood in Australian conditions. When two of the best teams in Test cricket face off with the coveted BGT on the line, cricket fans can anticipate an exciting match.