IND vs AUS: Border-Gavaskar series set to have five Tests
The Border-Gavaskar Test series, which is held between India and Australia, will comprise five Tests instead of four in the next cycle of the Future Tours Programme (FTP). As per Cricbuzz, the five-Test series will be first played in the 2024 season when India are scheduled to tour Down Under. However, the 2023 home series in India will have four Tests.
Why does this story matter?
Most bilateral Test series contain a total of four Test matches. However, there are some exceptions such as The Ashes, an iconic series between England and Australia, that comprises five Tests. England and India are also involved in a five-Test series (home and away). The Border-Gavaskar series will now follow suit. As per The Australian, an extra Test will multiply the broadcast revenues.
Key details about the next FTP cycle
The upcoming cycle of the FTP will begin after the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June 2023. The schedule, which is being chalked out by several cricket boards, could get approved at the impending ICC annual conference in Birmingham.
Have India and Australia played five-Test series in past?
India and Australia have been involved in a five-Test series in the past. The Indians hosted Australia for five Tests in 1959, with the Aussies winning 2-1. Ten years later (1979/80), Australia won the series 3-1. Notably, the two teams locked horns in six Tests in that series. In the 1991/92 series Down Under (five Tests), Australia had won 4-0.
India retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2020/21
India staged a famous series victory Down Under to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2020/21. They were bowled out for their lowest-ever Test total (36/9) in the series opener (Adelaide). A second-string Indian side under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane managed to bounce back and win the four-match series 2-1. Rishabh Pant was the star for India in the final Test at the Gabba.
IND vs AUS, Tests: A look at the head-to-head record
Australia and India have clashed in 102 Tests so far, with the former winning 43. While India have won 30 Tests, 28 of them resulted in a draw. Interestingly, the two teams were also involved in one of the two tied Test matches (Chennai, 1986). In 2018/19, India became the first-ever Asian side to win a Test series in Australia.
