'Will be a close tussle,' Adam Gilchrist on Border-Gavaskar series
The legendary Adam Gilchrist believes the upcoming five-match Border-Gavaskar series Down Under will see an even contest between India and Australia. Gilchrist, in a recent interaction with the Times of India, stated that Australia are raring to prove a point, but it will be a "close tussle". Notably, Australia haven't beaten India in a Test series in nearly a decade.
Gilchrist's prediction for the upcoming series
Gilchrist stated, "It is going to be another tough series for both teams. Onus is on Australia to prove they are the dominant force at home." He further added, "India knows how to go away and win overseas. Their fast bowling line-up at the moment is up there, on a par with most around the world." However, Gilchrist also expressed his hope for an Australian victory despite predicting a very close call.
Here's what Ricky Ponting predicted
Earlier, Gilchrist's former teammate, Ricky Ponting, predicted that Australia will beat India by a 3-1 margin in the upcoming five-match series Down Under. "It's going to be a competitive series and, as I said, I think Australia's got a bit of a point to prove against India in Australia on the back of what's happened the last two series here," Ponting said on the ICC Review. "We're back to five Tests as well, which is the other really important thing."
India vs Australia in Tests since the 2014/15 series
Australia last beat India in a Test series in the 2014/15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (2-0). India avenged the loss by winning the loss with a 2-1 win at home. The series was embroiled in controversies. India then became the only Asian side with a Test series win in Australia (2018/19). They also won the 2020/21 series Down Under before beating Australia at home (2023).
India's greatest Test series win Down Under
India's 2020/21 Test series win Down Under stunned Australia. The visitors bounced back after losing the series opener in Adelaide, where they were bowled out for 36 in the 1st innings. A second-string Indian side, ravaged by perpetual injuries, having suffered their worst batting collapse in Test history, humbled Australia eventually (2-1). This was certainly one of India's greatest Test series wins ever.
