The mighty Australia is all set to visit India in February-March for four Tests and three ODIs. The Tests will be played as a part of the putative Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023.
Moreover, India and Australia will play the 1st in Nagpur from February 9, the second in Delhi from Feb 17. The 3rd in Dharamshala from March 1, and the fourth in Ahmedabad from March 9.
The marquee BGT has always had a high reputation in the cricket fraternity. However, this time one of the most high-profile fixtures in international cricket will have India rooting for a win. Given the high stakes of losing the final and only spot in the World Test Championship 2023, India must play with all guns blazing.
After defeating Bangladesh by a 2-nil, Rohit Sharma-led India has the mightiest yet the only obstacle left to face. A win in the impending BGT will assure a berth for India. However, if the hosts claim their victory on the trophy, India’s doors will finally be shut. Nonetheless, India can afford a draw, but with conditions applied. Moreover, if BGT is 1-1 draw, then India might miss out on the final.
To make it simple India need 22 pts to outdo South Africa(assuming they beat WI 2-0 at home). Moreover, India need to win 2 games outright (2-0,2-1,2-2 everything works) or alternatively win 1 and draw 3 games.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see the two cricketing nations fight it out ahead of the WTC finals, that will be held in June 2023, scheduled to be played in England.
‘Have been dreaming about Border-Gavaskar Trophy, have started my training’- R Ashwin
Ace Indian off-spinner R Ashwin said that he has begun preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The spinner will be coming into the series in good form. Having played a crucial part in India’s win against Bangladesh. Ashwin performed with both bat and ball in the series, something that he has worked upon.
“I have started my training. I have been dreaming (about the series) and I’ve been doing some yoga. I’ve been religiously doing yoga over the last year or so. I think it’s just helped me feel much better. (As for the skills) I’ve definitely put in a lot of work on my batting. My batting has really been upscale over the last 18 months or so. I put in a lot of work whenever a home series happens.”
Ashwin told to a media house.
India is expected to be bolstered by the returns of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja to competitive cricket ahead of the important series.
“I’m expecting (Ravindra) Jadeja to come through (be fit in time) but I like expanding more angles. I got some things in my head. I’ve been watching Australia play in Australia. I’d like to be working on some different angles, something new.”
The spinner added.
Asked about the expectations from Australia, Ashwin said that the touring side had done well in the past and expects high-voltage cricket.
“Whenever Australia tour (India), they have always done well, even the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy (2017), in my opinion, was one of the best series that we played. And we also went back there and again managed to retain the trophy. It is always exciting. I don’t expect anything less than high-voltage cricket. And I expect a lot of intensity. Australia and England are the best prepared teams that come to India and Australia take it one notch higher. I’m really looking forward to an exciting series.”
Ashwin concluded.
Thank you for reading.
3 Comments