The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is set to begin tomorrow (22 November) and it's a historic series. It's said to be more coveted than The Ashes. When it comes to Test cricket between Australia and India, it's always evenly contested. There might be times when Australia might dominate the series while India dominates others. Nonetheless, It's always an intriguing series to watch and/or follow.
The BGT was given it's name ahead of the 1996 series. It's name is given to two former great captains by each country: Allan Border (Australia) and Sunil Gavaskar (India). The inauguaral series took place in India. It was a once-off Test where the hosts emerged as the winners. Since then, the series has been contested over multiple Tests, typically four each time.
Over this period, there have been many iconic moments. Such includes: India's comback victory in 2001, at Kolkata and India's victory at the Gabba in 2023. The main result is a contest that features a better cricketing competition than the more traditional nemeses for these nations - England and Pakistan - provide. The Ashes are rarely as competitive and India-Pakistan contests are bogged down so much by the fear of losing that they often tended to produce dull Test cricket.
The series results in India-Australia Tests over the last decade and a half do tip the scales in India's favour but the two teams have been much closer to each other than the results suggest. Since 2007 and over 39 Tests, India average 34.04 per wicket against Australia and concede 33.78. That's a difference of about five runs per Test on average. Each of the ten Test series over this period has had the teams alternate as winners or a difference in averages of under ten runs per wicket. The only longer streak of this kind was the Ashes leading up to 1903-04.
In terms of a pure cricketing contest, only South Africa vs. Australia starting from late 2008 to now, comes close to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. South Africa lead 11-10 and the difference in averages is just 0.11. It's arguably a closer contest but not as diverse in terms of attacks. Australia and India compete across a wider set of conditions. South Africa registered a lot of their success when Australia hadn't yet assembled an attack to rival their all-time best attacks. Since the mid-2010's, it can be argued India and Australia have been fielding teams that are among those countries' best ever.
The BGT doesn't have the rich history and tradition or the post-colonial angst that many teams feel when playing England but in a brief period of a decade and a half, it has created a solid bank of memorable matches, performances and controversies.
Statistically, India have been more successful side. In all, they've won ten series' out of 16. That's a win percentage of 62,5%. Australia have won 5 for a % of 31.25. There has been 1 drawn series. India have won 21 Test matches out of 56 (39.29%). Australia have won 20 (35.71%). There have been 12 drawn Test matches (21.4
Interestingly, this series will consist of 5 Test matches. This is the first time in a long while. With the evolution of the modern game and the host of the Test series, including The BGT, it has been reduced to a three or four-match series.
Perth; Adelaide; Brisbane; Sydney and Melbourne will host the five Test matches in the upcoming BGT. Rohit Sharma and Co. have to beat the hosts by at least 4-0 to help themselves retain an independent shout at the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025.
No matter the stories behind or leading up to the series, I always find the series' to be intriguing and interesting. It seems like anything can happen. This in terms of results. The game of cricket can be unpredictable. What makes this series more special is that it can directly affect either side of reaching the WTC Final. Additionally, this series can have an effect on South Africa's chances of reaching the Final.
I would prefer a draw but I wouldn't mind an Australia win. My prediction is a 2-1 win for the Aussies.