In the ecosystem of intense cricket rivals, the India vs Australia clash, a.k.a, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has always aroused a sense of anticipation for a fierce game amongst many cricket fanatics. Hailed as one of the best vs. best series, the tournament has provided some wholesome cricketing action and moments meant to be remembered for the coming ages of the sport.

One such aspect would be the batters who did the trick with their willows and struck memorable batting performances, making it a treat to the eye. That said, amongst many from the list, here's a list of the top five batting innings from the Indian roster that has defined a whole of what a Border-Gavaskar Trophy matchup looks like. 

Rahul Dravid: 233 runs off 446 balls in Adelaide 2003-04

Rahul Dravid played an essential part in India's victory in the Adelaide test during the 2003/04 tour. Australia scored 556 runs, with Ricky Ponting contributing 242. In response, India was reduced to 85/4, and VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid came together. The two struck a massive 303-run stand for the fifth wicket to get India back into the game. Rahul Dravid scored 223 runs off 446 balls, while Laxman contributed 148. Dravid smashed 22 fours and one six in his knock, helping India score 523 runs. Australia responded 196 to Ajit Agarkar's 6/41, giving India just 230 runs to win. After Virender Sehwag had a terrific start, Dravid stepped in again. Dravid spearheaded the chase with 72*, helping India to scalp a convincing victory by four wickets.

Virat Kohli: 116 runs off 213 balls in Adelaide 2011-12

Virat Kohli produced a fantastic innings of 116 runs off 213 deliveries at the Adelaide Oval in January 2012 during India's fourth and final Test tour of Australia. In the first innings, a young Virat showed talent, commitment, and poise against a formidable Australian bowling attack. He played with a good attitude, counterattacking when appropriate and defending well when needed. Kohli's century in Adelaide was his first Test century, and it was noteworthy, as he demonstrated excellent shot selection, timing, and footwork, allowing him to collect runs easily. Although India eventually lost the match, the youngster's innings made an indelible impact and laid the groundwork for his future success.

Cheteshwar Pujara: 193 runs off 373 balls in Sydney 2018-19

India had a 2-1 lead going into this match and was confident of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the end of the series. Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been immaculate throughout the series, is determined to put on a show for the last time to assist India achieve its goal. Pujara demonstrated his typical calm, discipline, and resistance when dealing with the dangerous Australian onslaught. However, he used every opportunity to knock the poor deliveries away, scoring 22 boundaries in his innings of 193 runs off 373 deliveries. As Pujara continued to pile up the runs, Australia's last-ditch bid to escape a series triumph faded. The batter appeared unstoppable at times, and his psychological drain on the opposition's bowling assault may have played a vital role in India's historic series triumph.

Also Read: Top 5 Memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches played in Australia

 Virat Kohli: 169 runs off 272 balls in Melbourne 2014-15

In December 2014, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Virat Kohli produced one of his best Test innings against Australia. On the first day of the Boxing Day Test, Kohli showed incredible determination and perseverance. He scored an impressive 169 runs off 272 deliveries, including 30 boundaries. His performance was critical in stabilising the Indian innings and laying a firm foundation for the squad. This innings demonstrated Kohli's ability to thrive under challenging conditions and against top-tier competition. Notably, Kohli's effort at the MCG in 2014 helped India take a significant first-innings lead, but the team could not win the match.

Rishabh Pant: 89* runs off 138 balls in Brisbane 2020-21

The victory in the Brisbane Test (Gabba) Test in 2021 is widely regarded as one of the most defining moments in Indian cricket history, thanks to Rishabh Pant's unbeaten match-winning knock of 89 runs off 138 deliveries, anchoring India's successful chase of 328 runs, the highest-ever target chased at the Gabba. In addition, against all odds, the Indian cricket team won a surprising series triumph over Australia at the tough 'Fortress Gabba,' a location where Australia had not lost a Test since 1988. Pant, who finished fifth, demonstrated maturity and control. Pant, known for his aggressive and reckless batting style, was unconcerned about the occasion's scenario or pressure. 

Sitanshu Kotak, one of India's most respected cricket coaches, is all set to accompany the India A team as head coach on their upcoming tour to Australia. The India A team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, will play two matches against Australia's A team. The first game is scheduled for October 31 at GBRA in Mackay, followed by the second game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 7. Following the two matches, the India A side will play a practice match against the Indian senior team at WACA, Perth.

Kotak to guide India A in Australia

See Also: Virat Kohli just 55 runs away from 16,000 runs record ahead of Pune Test

Gaikwad to lead, Easwaran named vice-captain

Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the team, with Abhimanyu Easwaran serving as vice-captain. Easwaran has been in tremendous form on the domestic circuit, making him a strong contender for a reserve opening spot in India's main Test squad. The team will also include young talents like Sai Sudharsan, who recently scored a double century in the Ranji Trophy, and other key players like Devdutt Padikkal and Baba Indrajith in the middle order.

The bowling department features Khaleel Ahmed and Yash Dayal, both of whom are competing for a left-arm seamer position in India's main squad. With key Test series ahead, this tour is crucial for India A players, offering them a chance to prove their mettle and potentially earn spots in the senior team.

Seven years ago, on July 20, Harmanpreet Kaur took the cricket world by storm with her incredible performance against Australia in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2017 semi-final. India Women won the toss and chose to bat first, but rain had reduced the game to 42 overs.

Despite this, India struggled early on, losing Smriti Mandhana and Punam Raut within 10 overs. Captain Mithali Raj (36) then teamed up with Harmanpreet Kaur for a crucial 66-run partnership. Raj was out when India was at 101-3 after 25 overs.

Harmanpreet reached her fifty in 64 balls and then accelerated, scoring the next 50 runs in just 26 balls. She ended up with a stunning 171 not out off 115 balls, smashing 20 boundaries and seven sixes, helping India set a total of 281.

Australia fought back with strong performances from Elyse Villani (75) and Alex Blackwell (90), but they fell short by 36 runs. Deepti Sharma took three wickets for India.

Despite losing to England by nine runs in the final, Harmanpreet Kaur’s innings had a lasting impact on Indian cricket. Here’s how:

Boost in popularity and viewership

Harmanpreet Kaur’s historic knock led to a surge in interest and viewership for women’s cricket. The World Cup final between India Women and England Women on July 23, 2017, saw record-breaking ratings of 19.533 million impressions in India. The match and Harmanpreet’s innings helped elevate the profile of women’s cricket. The Indian team also reached the 2020 T20 World Cup final, with a remarkable 5.4 billion viewing minutes recorded across India.

Increased media coverage and player recognition

Harmanpreet Kaur’s innings led to better media coverage of women’s cricket. Journalists and media outlets began focusing more on women’s matches, including player performances, team strategies, and match analysis. This increased visibility helped spotlight exceptional performances and raise the profile of women’s cricket. The launch of the Women’s Premier League in 2023 has also provided more opportunities for players to showcase their skills and gain recognition.

Equal pay for Men and Women cricketers

In October 2022, the BCCI announced equal pay for all centrally contracted men’s and women’s cricketers. This decision marked a significant step towards gender equality in Indian cricket.

On July 20, 2024, the Indian team continued their journey in the Women’s Asia Cup, securing a seven-wicket victory against Pakistan in their first match.

Cricket Australia announced the schedule for their home summer and Melbourne will host the Australia Women’s team in a Test for the first time since 1949. On the other hand, India and Australia will be starting the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy on November 22 at Perth.

Historic Women’s Ashes at iconing MCG

While the debate over women’s Test cricket seems like a never-ending one, Australia will be hosting England at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground for a 4-day Pink ball Women’s Ashes Test in January. MCG will be hosting a D/N Test match for the first time to mark the 90th year anniversary of the first Women’s Test series between Australia and England in 1934-35.

After the previous two Women’s Ashes were held at North Sydney Oval and Canberra, the Cricket Australia committed to schedule the Women’s Ashes Tests at some prime venues around the country this time. As a result, the iconic MCG will get to host the Women’s Test first time since 1948-49. It will also be the first time that a women’s international cricket match will be played at the MCG after 2020 T20 World Cup semi-final.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy schedule out

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy comprised of five Test matches between Australia and India will begin on November 22 in Perth. The second Test will be a D/N one played at the Adelaide Oval from December 6 followed by third Test at Brisbane from December 14, the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne from December 26 and the New Year Test from January 3 at Sydney.

While speaking of giving Perth the first match of the series over Brisbane, Peter Roach, CA’s head of scheduling mentioned about multiple factors including the broadcast timezone suitable for audiences from both countries. He also added, “The clear advice from our national team is that there is a preference to start series strongly at venues where they’re really comfortable and Perth and Brisbane they believe are somewhat comparable in terms of the advantage they get out of that.”

On this day 23 years ago, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid stitched together a 376-run partnership that marked one of the historical moments of Indian cricket. On March 14, 2001, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata the duo scripted an unreal fightback that laid the foundation for one of the greatest victories in the history of Test cricket.

How it all started?

After losing the first Test against Steve Waugh-led Australia, India were all set for another heartbreak in Kolkata. Australia put a mammoth 445 in the first inning and India were bowled out for a mere 171. The hosts were asked to follow on and they were soon 232/4 with Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly back to the pavilion. Rahul Dravid joined VVS Laxman and set the stage for an epic fightback.

Laxman scored 281 while Dravid played the perfect supporting role to add 181 to his name. The grit and resilience showcased by the duo changed the tone of the match in favour of the hosts. India were not just back in the game, they started showing dominance.

See Also: “It’s not easy being a selector” – Here’s how Ajit Agarkar makes it all happen

Eden Test 2001 changed mindset of Indian cricket

The partnership laid the foundation for a magical spell from Harbhajan Singh that eventually saw India winning the match by 171 runs. Nobody could believe what they saw. Nobody could imagine that the match would be unfolded in such a way.

The match is significant in various ways in Indian cricket history. This was one of those matches that made Indians believe in the team India led by Sourav Ganguly. The magnitude of the Eden Test 2001 was recalled by Hemang Badani once. He tweeted in 2023, “Not many know that at the end of day 3 we had packed our suitcases, they were to be taken straight to airport and the team was to go straight to the airport from ground. And then these two batted like magicians without losing a wicket the entire day.”

Glenn Maxwell will miss Australia’s upcoming 2023 World Cup match against England in Ahmedabad due to a concussion he sustained when he fell off the back of a golf cart on Monday, October 31. This unfortunate incident marks his second unusual injury within a year.

The versatile Australian all-rounder was clinging to the rear of a golf cart while heading back from the clubhouse to the team bus in the dark. Regrettably, he lost his grip, resulting in a concussion and some facial bruising. Reports indicate that Maxwell will need to undergo concussion protocols for a period of six to eight days.

See Also : Sachin Tendulkar’s Statue Set for Unveiling at Wankhede Stadium on November 1

Head coach Andrew McDonald provided an update, stating, “He’s been forthcoming with the information he’s provided. He’s in good condition, and he will begin light exercises today. We anticipate a relatively straightforward return to play protocol. Fortunately, the incident didn’t lead to any other injuries, which could have been far worse.”

Maxwell’s Unfortunate Concussion: A Blow to Australia’s World Cup Campaign

The news of Maxwell’s concussion and his subsequent unavailability for a match rattled the team. The incident was deemed an unfortunate accident and not related to any misconduct during the day. Maxwell has been a crucial part of the Australian team since his return to international cricket.

In addition to scoring a rapid 40-ball century against the Netherlands, Maxwell has been playing the role of a secondary spinner in the absence of Ashton Agar. Despite taking only four wickets in six innings, he has been Australia’s most economical bowler, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 4.82.

In Maxwell’s absence, either Marcus Stoinis or Cameron Green is expected to play against England on Saturday, November 4. Coach McDonald noted, “There will be a minor reshuffle, particularly in our batting order, and it will affect our bowling as well, considering Glenn’s recent bowling performance. Marcus Stoinis will be available if all goes well in training.”

Australia, led by Pat Cummins, has won their last four matches and is set to face Afghanistan and Bangladesh after their encounter with England.

Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled a 14-player lineup for the impending five-match T20I series against India, which kicks off on November 23. In the wake of several senior players opting for a break, wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has been named as the skipper for this series.

The roster boasts of seasoned cricketers including David Warner, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa. After their stint in the ICC World Cup 2023, players like Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood are set to head back home.

Taking the captaincy on a temporary basis, Matthew Wade steps into a role that has been vacant since February. Though he has been away from international cricket post the T20 World Cup, he was recalled as a backup for the series versus South Africa.

George Bailey notes Matthew Wade’s past captaincy experience for the team

Australian cricket team’s chief selector, George Bailey, emphasized Matthew Wade’s past captaincy stints and his leadership prowess. He compared this to Mitch Marsh leading the team in the series against South Africa.

“Matthew has previously held the captain’s mantle, and he’s a natural leader within our squad. Just as we saw with Mitch Marsh during the South Africa games, this series presents a valuable chance to expand our pool of leadership talent at the international level,” Bailey remarked.

The lineup for the series includes players such as Tim David, Sean Abbott, Josh Inglis, Jason Behrendorff, and Nathan Ellis. Meanwhile, Matt Short, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha have maintained their positions. Unfortunately, Ashton Agar won’t be playing due to a calf injury.

Australia’s T20 Tour of India – Schedule:

• November 23: First T20 at Vishakhapatnam
• November 26: Second T20 at Thiruvananthapuram
• November 28: Third T20 at Guwahati
• December 1: Fourth T20 at Nagpur
• December 3: Fifth T20 at Hyderabad

Australia T20 Squad:

• Captain: Matthew Wade
• Players: Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, and Adam Zampa.

In the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia, former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting expressed his desire for fans to witness an enthralling contest that culminates in a definitive outcome. Ponting, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation, understands the significance of providing spectators with an intense and conclusive match.

With the rise of limited-overs cricket and the advent of various domestic T20 leagues, the longest format of the game has faced challenges in maintaining its popularity. However, the inaugural edition of the WTC injected new life into Test cricket by introducing a championship-style tournament, adding a layer of excitement and meaning to each match. Ponting’s remarks reflect the sentiment that the WTC final should exemplify the pinnacle of the sport, captivating fans and showcasing the enduring beauty of Test cricket.

The clash between India and Australia promises to be a battle between two formidable cricketing nations. Both teams possess talented players and have a history of intense on-field rivalry. Ponting’s words emphasize the importance of this encounter, not just for the participating teams but also for the spectators who eagerly await a memorable contest.

In recent years, India has emerged as a dominant force in Test cricket. Led by the charismatic Virat Kohli and boasting a well-rounded squad, they have achieved remarkable success on both home soil and abroad. On the other hand, Australia has long been synonymous with Test cricket excellence, boasting a rich legacy of world-class players and an indomitable spirit. The clash between these two cricketing powerhouses is sure to provide a spectacle for fans around the world.

Ponting’s emphasis on a conclusive result is indicative of his understanding of the essence of sporting competition

While closely fought draws can be intriguing in their own right, a decisive outcome adds an extra layer of excitement and fulfilment. Fans invest their time and emotions into supporting their teams, and they deserve a conclusive outcome that validates their dedication.

As cricket continues to evolve, it is imperative to preserve the essence of the game. Test cricket, with its unique challenges and strategic intricacies, holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts. The WTC final serves as a platform to showcase the virtues of this format and reignite the passion for Test cricket worldwide.

Ricky Ponting’s desire for a thrilling and definitive result in the India-Australia WTC final resonates with the aspirations of cricket fans. As the pinnacle event of the Test cricket calendar, the final should epitomize the enduring beauty of the longest format, captivate audiences, and reinforce the importance of a conclusive outcome. By delivering a high-quality contest, India and Australia have an opportunity to inspire a new generation of cricket lovers and reignite the global fascination with Test cricket.

Australia extend their dominance as they make yet another World Cup Final, and look favorites yet again. India though will go home feeling gutted. They were in the game throughout and looked in a really good position when Jemimah Rodriguez and Harmanpreet Kaur were out their. With both of them cruising yet again, the game was tilting towards India.

As was the case in the 2022 Commonwealth games though, India collapsed. A freak dimissal for Harmanpreet Kaur started a procession of wickets as India slowed down. Australia on their part were brilliant in the field. Ellyse Perry stood out with an incredible diving stop to save what could have been a crucial boundary in the 19th over.

India on the other hand were rather clumsy in the field. They did not hold on to their chances after getting off to a good start with the ball, and were poor in the death. Renuka Singh, one of the best bowlers in the side crumbled under pressure herself as Australia dug into her in the Final Over of their innings.

Here’s How Twitter Reacted

Will he or won’t he? Play, that is. Team India is keeping its fingers crossed on Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion in the XI for Friday’s must-win second T20I against Australia in Nagpur. Under the circumstances, Bumrah’s inclusion would obviously be the best tonic for the under-fire Indian bowling attack that has been unable to defend stiffer totals. After failures against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, the bowlers couldn’t defend even a 200-plus total in the first T20I in Mohali, which the Australians won by four wickets with as many balls to spare.

Agreed, all the T20Is Rohit Sharma and his teammates will be playing in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup in Australia next month are more about their preparation and getting ready for the big event. But losing yet another series after a disappointing Asia Cup campaign and that too, at home, wouldn’t really augur well for the team going into a World Cup. From that perspective as well, Friday’s game at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium is critical for India as they need to win it not just to keep the series alive but also to ensure their mindset doesn’t take a further hit before the big event.

Also Read: Ganguly talks about BCCI’s plan for Women’s IPL

Bumrah’s presence is vital to the team as he adds experience with pace to this bowling

Also, it certainly won’t be an ideal moment for skipper Rohit to suffer a series loss at home in the presence of BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, who’s set to be present during the game. Of course, considering the fickle nature of T20 cricket, the world champions too may have a forgettable day out in the middle and collapse, making matters easier for the Indians. But it would surely bring some relief to the bowling unit if Bumrah is back in the XI. “Jasprit is fit and fine… Absolutely no problems with him,” No.4 batsman Suryakumar Yadav said on the eve of the game.

Whether Bumrah returns to the XI or not, in terms of bowling, the Indian team management does need to put its thinking cap on to figure out the best combination. Continuing with Umesh Yadav, who conceded 27 off his two overs and got those two wickets simply because Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell played poor shots, may not be the wisest thing to do. If the management feels Arshdeep Singh needs a little more rest ahead of the bigger assignments ahead, there’s Deepak Chahar at its disposal.  As for the struggling Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the team seems to be having unwavering faith in the senior pacer.

But unless he tests Australian batsmen in the Powerplay, India ought to be having another bowler ready to bowl the penultimate over of the opposition’s innings. Batting-wise, India doesn’t seem to be having many reasons to worry about. They would hope captain Rohit and Virat Kohli get some runs, while a decision may again have to be taken on whether to continue with Dinesh Karthik as the wicketkeeper-batsman or bring Rishabh Pant back.