Gilchrist warns Pat Cummins for BGT 2024-25
Gilchrist believes the current Australian team will have to prove their dominance at home against Rohit Sharma & Co later this year. Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist believes Australia will have to prove they are dominant in home conditions when they take on India in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024-25. Australia have lost their last two home Test series against India, a blot on their record over the last decade.
Australia have not beaten India in a Test series since 2014-15, which includes losing two series both home and away. Since winning the Border-Gavaskar 2-0 in 2014-15, Australia have lost the next four series against India – two to Virat Kohli’s side (2016-17, 2018-19), Ajinkya Rahane (2021) and Rohit Sharma (2023).
Adam Gilchrist has issued a stern warning to Pat Cummins and the Australian cricket team ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Gilchrist cautioned that India, with their formidable home advantage and skilled lineup, will present a significant challenge. He emphasized that the team must be fully prepared and adapt to the conditions, as complacency could lead to a tough series.
Gilchrist highlighted the need for strategic planning, mental toughness, and adaptability to counter the strong Indian squad. His message underscores the importance of rigorous preparation and focus for the Australian team in the upcoming high-stakes series.
Defeated India in the World Test Championship final
Pat Cummins and Co beat India in the World Test Championship final last year, which bodes well for the openers. Gilchrist, a member of three Australian teams that triumphed over India in Tests (1999, 2004 and 2007-08), emphasised that the current team must continue to dominate on their home turf when they face Rohit Sharma and his men later this year.
It is going to be another tough series for both teams. The onus is on Australia to prove that they are the strongest on their home turf. India know how to go abroad and win. Under Kohli’s leadership, India became the first Asian team to beat Australia in 2018-19. Then, in 2020-21, Rahane delivered another historic win.
As the two teams prepare to clash again, the stakes are higher than ever. India are eyeing a rare hat-trick of wins in Australia while their opponents are determined to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But both teams were on equal footing, with Gilchrist praising India’s bowlers and batsmen, saying they would do better in Australian conditions.
On par with most bowlers around the world
Their fast bowling line-up at the moment is on par with most bowlers around the world. They will enjoy the conditions here. Also, they have a superbly talented batting line-up. It’s going to be a very even contest,” he said.
Adam Gilchrist backs Australia to win BGT 2024-25 Gilchrist, however, backed Australia to pull off a close-fought victory. “Naturally, I would name Australia; I hope they get there. But it’s hard to say. It’s going to be a close contest.”
The five-match Test series will begin in Perth on November 22, followed by more Tests in Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. Both teams will shift their base to Sydney for the final match starting January 3.
Incredible upset
Australia were reduced to 47-3 after being set a challenging target of 241 to win, but Head hit his second century of the competition to guide his side to victory with seven overs to spare. Australia won the 50-over title under Cummins’ captaincy, which they won last June by beating India in the final in London.
The Sydney Morning Herald wrote in a headline, “Silent golden hour for Cummins’ players Because they are going from good to great. He spoke about the Ahmedabad crowd, especially when Cummins dismissed Kohli for 54.
The Herald Sun called the win a miracle
With their incredible turnaround, Australia have now won a record six World Cup titles and no other title has been more memorable than the heat of Ahmedabad. Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said the team deserved the title and it is “testament to the ability of our players across all formats.
Hockley said in a statement that this is another great achievement from Pat Cummins and his team, who have performed brilliantly in challenging conditions and against strong opponents throughout the tournament. Defeating previously undefeated India in front of their ardent home fans is a feat that is on par with Australia’s last five World Cup final victories.
Conclusion
Pat Cummins’ side stunned nearly 100,000 spectators in Ahmedabad on Sunday with a six-wicket win over previously undefeated India, breaking the hearts of the home crowd.
Opener Travis Head hit a brilliant 137 off 120 balls in the final and also took a brilliant catch to end captain Rohit Sharma’s innings just short of a half-century. Head became the third Australian player to score a century in a men’s World Cup final, joining Ricky Ponting and Gilchrist.
