Ravi Shastri backs Team India to retain Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Details
What's the story
Former Indian cricket team coach, Ravi Shastri, has expressed confidence in India's ability to maintain their winning streak in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
The series is set to begin on November 22.
This prediction comes despite Australia's victory over India at the ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval.
Notably, India have done well against the Aussies in their last two tours Down Under. Here are the details.
Counter prediction
Shastri's response to Ponting's prediction
Shastri's forecast counters Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting's recent prediction on The ICC Review, where he anticipated a 3-1 series win for Australia.
Despite India's batting struggles during their last tour of Australia, Shastri remains optimistic about the team's performance.
He emphasized the importance of top-order batsmen like skipper Rohit Sharma and ex-captain Virat Kohli, in securing a victory for India.
Series anticipation
Shastri anticipates a thrilling series
Shastri anticipates an exciting series, stating, "The Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia over five Test matches is going to be a humdinger."
He reminded fans of India's previous victories against Australia and their decade-long hold on the trophy.
Shastri believes that if India's bowlers remain fit and their batsmen perform well, they have every chance of securing a third consecutive win.
Comeback
Shastri foresees Australia's strong comeback
Shastri expects a strong comeback from Australia, following their consecutive home series losses to India.
He predicts that the first Test in Perth will see Australia's formidable fast bowling line-up eager to challenge India's batsmen.
"They will be thirsty, they'd be looking to go at the throats of the Indians because they've been beaten there (in Australia) twice," Shastri said about Australia's anticipated approach.
Key battles
Shastri highlights key battles in upcoming series
Shastri highlighted the key battles that will shape the outcome of the series, stating, "It's going to be India's batting against the Australian fast bowlers."
He also drew attention to India's bowling attack, mentioning players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
"One can't wait for that series to start and (I think) India can do the hat-trick (of series victories in Australia)," Shastri concluded.
Series
India beat Australia in the last two series Down Under
India overcame the Aussies 2-1 in the 2018-19 tour Down Under. The 4-match series saw India clinch a historic win under Virat Kohli's leadership.
India's next tour of Australia in 2020-21 saw the visitors eke out another 2-1 win.
India went down in the opening Test before making a comeback. Kohli took a break after the first Test before Ajinkya Rahane took over and led the team well.
Overall, India have beaten the Aussies in four successive Test series.
Information
Australia won the World Test Championship 2021-23 final
India lost to Australia in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 final at The Oval. The Aussies successfully defended 443, bowling Team India out for 234 on Day 5. Australia became the first side to win the ICC T20 World Cup, 50-over World Cup, Champions Trophy, and the WTC. Australia will be keen to retain the ICC WTC 2023-25 mace.