Key facts to know before BGT 2024-25

The much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is set to begin. It will be the first five-match Test series in the BGT history. Last time, the India vs Australia Test series had more than four matches during the 1991-92 Test series in Australia, which was a five-match Test series. 

The latest five-match Test series opener between Australia and India will be played at Perth Stadium from November 22. 

Before beginning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, let's check some key facts related to the series. 

Test series stories with a minimum of two matches

India have the chance to win three successive Test series in Australia and five consecutive Test series against Australia. 

(Straight Test series wins in Australia)

Previously, England (1882-83, 1884-85, and 1886-87), the West Indies (1984-85, 1988-89, and 1992-93), and South Africa (2008-09, 2012-13, and 2016-17) recorded winning three successive Test series in Australia one each. Although West Indies have a record of not losing five consecutive Test series in Australia between 1979-80 and 1992-93, the second series ended in a draw. 

(Straight Test series wins against Australia)

On the other hand, between 1882-83 and 1890, England won seven successive Test series against Australia (home + away). Meanwhile, between 1977-78 and 1992-93, West Indies recorded eight straight series unbeaten against Australia (home + away). These are the only two stories with Australia’s five successive Test series defeats against a team.

When did India lose the last away Test series?

India last time lost an away Test series during the 2021-22 season, where their South Africa tour ended with a 2-1 series defeat in the three-match Test series. In their last three away Test series, India won twice (Bangladesh and West Indies) and drew one Test series (South Africa).

When did India lose two consecutive Test series last time?

In 2018, India last suffered two consecutive Test series in England and South Africa.

At present, India are touring Australia after losing the three-match home Test series against New Zealand by 3-0. 

Australia’s recent Test series records

Since India won the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Australia have lost only one Test (against West Indies at Brisbane in 2024) out of 15 Tests (12 wins and two draws). Since losing the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home, Australia won four successive home Test series before drawing their last home Test series against West Indies.

After losing the away Test series in India in the 2022-23 season, Australia are unbeaten in the Test series by winning two times and drawing two times. 

India’s Favourite Venues in Australia

India won four Tests out of 14 Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (lost eight and drew twice). They are unbeaten at the MCG in their last three Tests, where India won the last two after recording a draw. The last time Australia beat India at the MCG was in December 2011. 

Adelaide Oval is the only other Test venue in Australia where India have recorded multiple Test wins. They won the Adeialde Tests in December 2003 and December 2018. 

Do You Know?

• Australia haven’t won a Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the ICC World Test Championship history. India have won two Border-Gavaskar Trophies in the ICC WTC history. While Australia won the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final against India, it wasn’t part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
• The Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended with a draw result only once when India toured Australia in 2003-04 (1-1). 
• India have won more matches than Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy history. While India have won 24 Tests, Australia have won 20 Tests, and 12 Tests finished with the draw results. 
• India have won more Test series than Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy history. India have won 10 Test series and Australia have managed to win five Test series.  
• Among the Australian Test venues, India have recorded the most 400s (seven innings) and most 500s (four innings) at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which they all recorded after 1978 but failed to win all those Tests. India’s only Test victory at the SCG was recorded in 1978. In the other 12 Tests at the SCG, India lost five and drew seven games.