In his analysis, the former head coach of the team Ravi Shastri predicted that young batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal and the ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah would be indispensable nemesis for the Australian team during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The anticipation surrounding the aforementioned series has been expectations beyond what can be explained. The other factor that has added spice to the rivalry is the declining form of the Test giants. Perth set’s pitch is expected to be the norm and for the batsmen it shall be a race to the scoreboard.
In such circumstances, Jaiswal was named by Shastri as one of the promising players who would be smart enough not to fall into the trap of the aggressive Australian bowlers. For Shastri, the remarkable performances of the left-handed cricketer who scored back-to-back double centuries, 209 and 214* in the ‘a’ games against England at Vizag and then at Rajkot were simply a reflection of his passion for run-making
“Jaiswal at the top because if he gets in, he can be devastating. You know he plays spin very well, he plays at his own tempo, he’s got all the shots in the book,” said Shastri in an interview with the ICC Review.
“He is an entertainer so if he gets in as we have seen in his career already you know he has the ability to get the big scores. Two consecutive double hundreds you do not hit you know just like that, you have got to have the hunger, you have to have the quality and the ability,” Shastri said.
The second Indian that Shastri wished to raise the bar is Jasprit Bumrah. Fabled for time-defying fast bowling action in Australia, Bumrah shall shoulder the responsibilities of the captain vice Rohit Sharma.
There have been reports of the A-lister being described as a natural leader by the team’s bowling coach Morne Morkel, Shastri hopes the best fast bowler in the world will give it everything he’s got when dealing with the Australian batter.
“There is no doubt that Jasprit is – because he is the best fast bowler currently in the world. No questions arise on that. These are the top two bowlers who are standing on either ends. And naturally one would expect him, at the current stage of his career, where at times he can literally make the ball talk, to lead the charts for the most wickets,” he starred.
Bumrah came forth as the most lethal weapon for India in the year 2024, courtesy of his breathtaking onslaught. Also, while showcasing his skills in all the formats, the Australian figures of Bumrah assure the Indian camp as to what sort of havoc he can unleash down under.
Before stepping inside the Optus Stadium on Friday, Bumrah has made Australia face jolts in seven Test matches where he collected 32 wickets on their soil at an average of just 21.25.
The first Test Match from the series scheduled between India and Australia will begin on Friday at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The two teams which are currently occupying the top two positions in the ICC World Test Championship points table would be aiming to increase their chances of qualifying for the finals. While India aiming to make amends after suffering a rare but shameful defeat at the hands of New Zealand at the comforts of their home, Australia on the other hand would be targeting not to lose three series against India at home.
Following the First Test in Perth on November 22, the second Test of the series which is to be played in day night conditions, will commence at the Adelaide Oval from December 6 until December 10. The attention of the fans will then shift to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test which is scheduled between December 14 to 18.
To make the final stages of this series, there will be a traditional Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The fifth and concluding Test is set for Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7 in what is expected to be an exciting end to a highly awaited series.
