Former Australian cricketer Daren Lehmann has thrown his weight behind Australia to win the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Lehmann, who enjoyed a distinguished career with Australia, believes the home team will dominate the five-match Test series against India, predicting a 3-1 victory for the Aussies. This would mark Australia’s first series win against India in nearly a decade.
Lehmann’s Bold Prediction for Australia
Lehmann took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to make his prediction, stating that Australia would clinch the series 3-1. He highlighted the importance of the first Test in Perth, which kicks off the summer, as a pivotal match where the bouncy track will give Australia a distinct advantage over India.
“Australia v India prediction, 3-1. Australia will win in Perth to start the summer on the bouncy track then quite even after that with the home team playing conditions better,” Lehmann wrote.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been fiercely contested in recent years, with India winning the last two series on Australian soil, both by a margin of 2-1. In 2018-19, India made history by becoming the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. They repeated the feat in 2020-21, with a stunning comeback in Brisbane despite missing several key players.
However, Lehmann remains confident that Australia will turn the tables this time, citing their familiarity with the conditions as a significant factor.
Australia’s Long Wait for Redemption
Australia’s last Test series win against India came during the 2014-15 season, when they secured a 2-0 victory in a four-match series. Since then, they have been on the losing end in four successive series against India, both home and away.
The upcoming series carries significant weight as Australia looks to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which has become a symbol of pride for both nations. The five-match series will be one of the longest encounters between the two sides in recent years, further adding to the pressure.
Challenges for Australia: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Lehmann also issued a cautionary note to the Australian team, particularly regarding two of India’s stalwarts, captain Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli. He emphasized the need for Australia to contain these two batting giants throughout the series if they hope to emerge victorious.
“Need to keep Sharma and Kohli quiet all summer,” Lehmann warned on X.
Confusion Looms Over the Pitch for India-Bangladesh Second Test, Teams in the Dark Over Pitch Choice
Both Rohit and Kohli have impressive records against Australia across formats. Rohit has amassed 3571 runs, including nine centuries, while Kohli has accumulated 5203 runs with the help of 16 centuries against the Aussies. In Test matches, Kohli has been particularly prolific, scoring 2042 runs at an average of 47.49, with eight centuries to his name in 25 Tests against Australia.
While Rohit has a slightly more modest Test record against Australia, with 708 runs in 12 matches, he remains a formidable presence and is known for stepping up in big moments. Kohli, on the other hand, enjoys a stellar record in Australia, where he has notched up 1352 runs in 12 Tests. Rohit has also proven his ability to play in Australian conditions, having scored 408 runs in seven Tests.
India’s Quest for History
India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will be aiming to complete a hat-trick of Test series wins on Australian soil. A victory in the 2024-25 series would cement India’s dominance in the rivalry and write yet another chapter in their historic rise as a cricketing superpower.
Rohit will be looking to join the likes of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane as Indian captains who have led their team to series wins in Australia. The importance of this series is not lost on the Indian team, as they eye a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The Battle Ahead
Both teams have a lot riding on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Australia, this is a chance to reclaim a prized title that has eluded them for a decade. For India, it’s an opportunity to continue their dominance in one of cricket’s most storied rivalries.
The first Test in Perth will set the tone for the rest of the series, with the Aussies banking on their pace-friendly conditions. However, India’s recent successes in Australia prove that they are no longer susceptible to the traditional challenges posed by bouncy pitches and hostile environments.
With star players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli leading India and the likes of Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne at the forefront for Australia, this series promises to be one for the ages.
As cricket fans eagerly await the first ball of the series, one thing is certain—both teams are hungry for victory, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will once again deliver high-octane cricket at its finest.
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