Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Full Squads and Schedule Revealed for Australia's Home Series Against India

The excitement is building as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 draws near, with Australia and India set to clash in a highly anticipated five-Test series. This series, played across iconic Australian venues, promises high-intensity cricket, with each match contributing to the ongoing rivalry between the two cricketing giants.

Both squads for the series have been officially announced, showcasing a blend of seasoned pros and fresh talents. The series will commence on November 22, 2024, at Perth Stadium, concluding with the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in early January 2025.

Australia’s Squad for the First Test

Australia has assembled a 13-player squad for the opening Test match, led by captain Pat Cummins and a strong supporting cast that includes key players like Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Starc. Selectors have introduced emerging talents to bring depth and flexibility to the squad as they embark on this challenging series against India.

Australia Squad:

• Pat Cummins (c)
• Scott Boland
• Alex Carey
• Josh Hazlewood
• Travis Head (vc)
• Josh Inglis
• Usman Khawaja
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Nathan Lyon
• Mitchell Marsh
• Nathan McSweeney
• Steve Smith (vc)
• Mitchell Starc

Selectors have shown faith in young all-rounder Nathan McSweeney, whose impressive domestic performances have earned him his maiden call-up to the Australian Test squad. McSweeney’s addition, along with the in-form Josh Inglis, strengthens Australia’s lineup. Scott Boland has also secured his place in the squad, with selectors valuing his consistent performances at the Test level.

Chair of Selectors George Bailey commented on the choices, stating, “Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for Test cricket, and his recent domestic form has been outstanding. Scott Boland continues to be a top-level performer and is a valuable asset for the team.”

India’s Squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India, led by captain Rohit Sharma, has named a squad featuring a combination of experienced stars and promising newcomers. Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah leads India’s bowling attack, supported by the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant bolster India’s batting order, providing depth and reliability against the formidable Australian bowling lineup.

India Squad:

• Rohit Sharma (C)
• Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Abhimanyu Easwaran
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• KL Rahul
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Dhruv Jurel (WK)
• R Ashwin
• R Jadeja
• Mohd. Siraj
• Akash Deep
• Prasidh Krishna
• Harshit Rana
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Washington Sundar

Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed

The squad announcement was impacted by the absence of star spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who is sidelined due to a long-term groin injury. His absence adds further responsibility on Ashwin and Jadeja to handle the spin department effectively.

Full Schedule for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will take place at five renowned Australian venues, including day-night action at the Adelaide Oval. Here's the full schedule for the series:

1. 1st Test – November 22-26, 2024 | Perth Stadium, Perth
2. 2nd Test (D/N) – December 6-10, 2024 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
3. 3rd Test – December 14-18, 2024 | The Gabba, Brisbane
4. 4th Test – December 26-30, 2024 | MCG, Melbourne
5. 5th Test – January 3-7, 2025 | SCG, Sydney

Series Outlook

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has historically been a fiercely contested series, and this edition promises to be no different. With Australia playing on home soil, they are expected to capitalize on familiar conditions. However, India’s mix of veteran and emerging players is equipped to tackle the challenges, as seen in previous tours where they’ve held their ground against tough Australian opposition.

Both teams will be eager to start the series on a high note in Perth, and the anticipation is building for the day-night Test in Adelaide, where the pink ball under lights often brings a unique challenge for the players. The Boxing Day Test at the MCG and the New Year’s Test in Sydney hold cultural significance and tradition, drawing large crowds and worldwide viewership.

Key Players to Watch

For Australia, all eyes will be on the captain, Pat Cummins, whose pace bowling could be pivotal in exploiting home conditions. Veteran batsman Steve Smith and the ever-reliable Marnus Labuschagne will anchor the batting lineup.

India’s Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bring invaluable experience to their batting, while Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal pace and Ravichandran Ashwin’s guile in the spin department will be instrumental in countering Australia’s batsmen.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is set to deliver thrilling cricket, showcasing top talent from two of the world’s most competitive cricketing nations. With strong squads, packed stadiums, and intense matchups, the series has all the ingredients to become a memorable chapter in the Australia-India rivalry. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting November 22, when the first ball will be bowled at Perth Stadium, marking the beginning of yet another epic showdown.