Bengaluru, Sep 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh believes that the performances of Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli will be pivotal in determining India’s success in the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia.

The 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to be a highly anticipated clash between India and Australia, featuring five matches at iconic Australian venues: Perth, Adelaide (a pink-ball game), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The series will commence with the first Test in Perth on November 22.

Waugh highlighted the strength of India’s bowling attack, noting that the presence of pace bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami, combined with skilled spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav, gives India a formidable lineup. He emphasized that Bumrah’s ability to take wickets consistently will be crucial for India’s chances of winning the series.

“India has a strong chance to win in Australia due to their excellent bowling attack. With Bumrah leading the pace attack, supported by Siraj and Shami, and a variety of quality spinners, India’s bowling is well-rounded. However, the key lies in Bumrah’s performance with the ball and Kohli’s with the bat,” Waugh stated to IANS.

Virat Kohli’s role in the batting lineup was also underscored by Waugh, who acknowledged Kohli’s impressive record in away conditions. “The Indian batting lineup heavily relies on Kohli. His experience and performance will be central to India’s success. On the other hand, Australia boasts a strong team with a robust bowling attack, setting the stage for a thrilling series between two high-quality sides,” he added.

India approaches this series with confidence, having dominated recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy contests. India has secured victory in the last four series, including two historic wins on Australian soil in 2018-19 and 2020-21. These triumphs have shifted the balance of power in the rivalry, with India now holding 10 series wins compared to Australia’s five. Australia’s last series win came in 2014-15, and their last victory on Indian soil dates back to 2004-05.

The series will span from November 22, 2024, to January 7, 2025, featuring some of Australia’s most iconic cricket grounds. Following the opener in Perth, the teams will move to Adelaide Oval for the second Test from December 6 to 10, which will be the only day-night Test of the series.

The third Test will take place at Brisbane’s Gabba from December 14 to 18. The highly anticipated Boxing Day Test will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will conclude with the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.

This upcoming series promises to be an exhilarating contest between two cricketing powerhouses, with both teams bringing their best to the field in pursuit of the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy.