The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India promises to be a thrilling contest, with runs expected to be at a premium. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden believes that the team that can score the most runs will have a significant advantage.
“I sense that it is going to be runs that are going to be the point of difference,” Hayden said. “So the best need to stand up in this series; runs are going to be at a premium.”
Hayden also noted that the fact that Australia has not defeated India in a Test series on home soil in almost 10 years will be playing on the minds of the Australian players.
“We have not had it in our hands for two series in Australia, which is kind of the coveted grounds,” Hayden said. “So there is always, and this is why I think it is such a special series, there is always this fantastic opportunity for the number one and the number two side on the World Test Championship table to go head-to-head, especially abroad, in each other’s camps, and see who really has those kind of final rights to claim not only the possibility of playing the Test Championship but also who is the very best of the best, which you judge on how you tour, not so much how you play at home.”
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence with the first Test at Perth Stadium from November 22 to November 26. The second Test will be a day-night match at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18. The fourth Test will be the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The fifth and final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.
