The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 marks one of the most anticipated Test cricket series between India and Australia. This historic rivalry between two cricketing giants promises intense action across five Test matches. The series is critical as both teams aim to assert their dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Here, we provide the full fixtures, match timings, and the latest updates for the upcoming series.

Full Fixtures of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Australia will host the series, with matches scheduled across iconic venues. The five-match Test series begins in late November 2024 and continues into January 2025. Below are the key details:

1st Test

• • Date: November 22-26, 2024
  • Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
  • Match Timings: 10:00 AM Local Time / 7:30 AM IST

2nd Test

• • Date: December 6-10, 2024
  • Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
  • Match Timings: 10:30 AM Local Time / 7:30 AM IST

3rd Test

• • Date: December 14-18, 2024
  • Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
  • Match Timings: 10:00 AM Local Time / 7:30 AM IST

4th Test

• • Date: December 26-30, 2024 (Boxing Day Test)
  • Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
  • Match Timings: 10:30 AM Local Time / 7:00 AM IST

5th Test

• • Date: January 3-7, 2025
  • Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney
  • Match Timings: 10:30 AM Local Time / 7:30 AM IST

Match Timings & Broadcasting Information

All the matches are scheduled to start early in the day, catering to both local Australian and international audiences, including the large fan base in India. Fans can watch the live broadcasts on major sports networks like Star Sports in India and Fox Sports in Australia. Additionally, live streaming will be available on platforms like Disney+ Hotstar (India) and Kayo Sports (Australia).

Latest Updates and Key Storylines

As we move closer to the start of the series, here are some of the most important storylines and updates:

1. Key Players to Watch

• Rohit Sharma: As the captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma will be crucial at the top of the order. His experience and leadership will be essential for India’s success.
• Virat Kohli: Kohli’s hunger for Test cricket excellence will once again be a major factor. His experience against Australia, especially in Australia, will make him a key player.
• Pat Cummins: Australia’s captain and fast-bowling spearhead will lead from the front. His ability to extract bounce and movement on home pitches will be a massive challenge for Indian batsmen.
• Steve Smith: Known for his consistency in Tests, Smith is one of Australia’s most reliable players in this format. His experience in facing India’s bowlers will be an asset.

2. Historic Rivalry

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has historically been a fiercely contested series. India has held the upper hand in recent years, winning the last four series, including their stunning victory in 2020-21 when India beat Australia at the Gabba, a fortress for the home team. Australia will be determined to reclaim the trophy this time around, especially on home soil.

3. Injuries and Squad Updates

Both teams are expected to announce their final squads closer to the series. Early reports suggest that Jasprit Bumrah is on track for recovery and may return to India’s squad, bolstering their pace attack alongside Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. For Australia, all eyes will be on Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, whose fitness will be pivotal in Australia’s bowling arsenal.

4. Impact on the World Test Championship (WTC)

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Both teams are strong contenders, and the outcome of this series will have significant implications on their WTC standings. Winning the series not only brings the coveted trophy but also vital points toward the WTC final in 2025.

5. Pitch Conditions

Australian pitches are known for their pace and bounce, which traditionally favors fast bowlers. However, India’s recent successes in Australia were built on strong pace bowling, and the team will be looking to replicate that success in this series. The spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are also expected to play critical roles, especially in the Sydney Test, where spin tends to come into play on the last few days of the match.

Ticket Information

Fans looking to attend the matches live can purchase tickets from the official Cricket Australia website. Tickets for most venues are expected to go on sale in early 2024, and given the high interest in this historic series, seats are likely to sell out fast. Special fan zones, such as the Swami Army and Bharat Army, will create a lively atmosphere at Australian grounds, bringing together passionate Indian supporters​

Conclusion

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 promises to be another thrilling chapter in cricket’s most intense modern-day rivalry. With both teams vying for supremacy in Test cricket, fans can expect five weeks of high-octane cricket action. From historic venues like the MCG to the pacey wickets at the Gabba, every match is set to be a spectacle.

Stay tuned for regular updates on match results, player performances, and key moments as the series unfolds. This edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could very well be one for the history books!