India’s victory over Australia in the last two Test series in the latter’s backyard has made the rivalry between the two teams more intense, feels veteran batsman Usman Khawaja ahead of the five-match battle that begins on November 22.
India had beaten Australia in their last two tours of Australia (2018-19 and 2020-21) by an identical 2-1 margin.
In fact, India have won the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, taking into account their home wins in 2016-17 and 2022-23 (both also by 2-1 scores in a four-match duel).
“For Indians, it’s always been a question of beating Australia. And more recently, you know, since India’s rise and the IPL and everything else that’s happened, it’s the same with Australia against India,” Khawaja said.
“And especially since India beat Australia in Australia the last two times they emerged victorious in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, it means a bit more,” he told Star Sports.
The 37-year-old left-handed starter said the rivalry between the two teams is huge.
“We are the number one and two teams in the world for the last two years. We were together in the last World Test Championship. The rivalry has always been huge,” said Khawaja, who has 5451 runs in 71 Tests after making his debut in 2011.
“I take it as a sign of respect and I know that Indians love to beat Australia in any form of cricket. And the tradition that Australia has had for so many years as one of the dominant teams in world cricket has cemented that reputation.”
The first Test begins in Perth on November 22, while the fifth and final Test will be played in Sydney from January 3.
Another veteran player, Mitchell Marsh, spoke of “great friendships” that complement the intense rivalry with the Indian players.
“If you look at recent history, we have won things, they have won things. And I think when it comes to back and forth, it creates that rivalry within you. There are great friendships in the Indian team with our team, so there is no hatred. But it is a great rivalry on the pitch, both teams want to win.
“And Australia versus India is another opportunity to grow cricket. It’s not that cricket should grow in India, but across the world. People tune in for these big series,” said all-rounder Marsh, who has been vice-captain of the team and is currently the captain of the T20 team.
Fast bowler Josh Hazelwood admitted that it is always a big challenge to play against India, especially since they are so used to the Australian conditions.
“Their attacking order, no matter who’s playing, is unbelievable, their top six or seven. I played them in my debut series, obviously, and we won, that might have been the last time. A lot of the same players are still playing, I think I got Virat in that match.
“I think a lot of our players haven’t beaten India in a Test series. Players were playing, like Travis Head, Cameron Green, guys like that. So, yeah, it’s a big summer ahead for us and hopefully we’ll get that trophy back.”
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First published: September 9, 2024 | 19:50 IS
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