India and Australia Ready for Five-Test Showdown
On November 22, India and Australia will start a five-Test series, renewing a fierce cricket rivalry. This is India’s first five-Test tour of Australia since 1991-92, when Allan Border’s team swept the series 4-0. This time, the stakes are high. India wants a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia wants to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade.
As fans prepare for the series, here are five batsmen—three from Australia and two from India—who could top the run charts in this much-anticipated clash.
1.Steve Smith (Australia)
Steve Smith is a constant thorn in India’s side, particularly on Australian pitches. Smith, known for his record against India, scored 769 runs, including four centuries, in the 2014-15 series alone. Over his career, he’s accumulated 2,042 runs against India at an average of 65.87, a testament to his consistency.
Despite not scoring a Test hundred since June 2023, Smith remains a formidable force at No. 4. With 315 runs needed to reach the 10,000 mark in Test cricket, he will be motivated to make a statement this series.
- Key Stats:
- Career Runs vs India: 2,042
- Average vs India: 65.87
- Centuries vs India: 8
2.Rishabh Pant (India)
Rishabh Pant’s explosive batting is thrilling to watch, especially in Australia. He’s one of India’s most exciting players. Pant, back from a career-threatening car accident, has shown potential. He did well against Bangladesh and New Zealand. He scored a century and a near-century.
Pant has thrived on Australian pitches. He scored 159* in Sydney in 2019 and 89* in Brisbane in the 2020-21 series. His average against Australia is over 62, making him a key figure in India’s batting lineup.
- Key Stats:
- Highest Score in Australia: 159*
- Average vs Australia (in Australia): 62+
3.Travis Head (Australia)
Travis Head’s recent form against India has been impressive. He scored match-winning centuries in the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup. Known for his aggressive style, Head brings momentum to Australia’s middle order.
His Test average against India is about 42. But, he is in excellent form across formats. With time off to prepare for the Test series, Head should be a top scorer for Australia.
- Key Stats:
- Test Average vs India: 42
- Recent Centuries vs India: 2 (WTC final, ODI World Cup)
4.Virat Kohli (India)
Despite worries about his form, Virat Kohli is a top batsman. He is especially good against Australia. Kohli has scored 2,042 runs against Australia at an average of 47.48. He has eight centuries, six of which were in Australia. His peak performance Down Under came in the 2014-15 series, where he tallied 692 runs as India’s captain.
As this could be Kohli’s final Test series in Australia, the 36-year-old will be eager to end on a high note.
- Key Stats:
- Career Runs vs Australia: 2,042
- Average vs Australia: 47.48
- Centuries in Australia: 6
5.Marnus Labuschagne (Australia)
Marnus Labuschagne lacks the flair of some batsmen. But, his solid technique and resilience make him vital for Australia. Labuschagne was Australia’s top scorer in the 2020-21 series against India, with 426 runs. His home average against India is 62.45. He has done well in Perth, the venue for the series opener.
Labuschagne’s consistency and patience could be vital for Australia. They want to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
- Key Stats:
- 2020-21 Series Runs vs India: 426
- Average vs India (in Australia): 62.45
The Stage Is Set for a Thrilling Series
With both teams having world-class talent, the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be fierce. These five batsmen—Smith, Pant, Head, Kohli, and Labuschagne—can impact the series. Their performances could decide the outcome. Cricket fans worldwide will eagerly watch these stars in a highly anticipated matchup.
