Perth, Nov 20: Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has likened the intensity and anticipation surrounding the Australia-India cricket rivalry to the historic Ashes series, asserting that these two contests are among the most thrilling in the world of cricket.
Speaking on the ICC Review Show, Ponting acknowledged the Ashes’ rich legacy spanning over 142 years, but emphasized that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has quickly risen to become one of cricket’s most fiercely contested battles.
“Australia-England, with the history of the Ashes, but Australia-India is not far behind that and it’s built up over a long period of time. I think we all look forward to these sorts of battles,” Ponting remarked. “As a past player, as a commentator, I want to see these two teams go out there and play hard and fair and then see who is left standing at the end of the next five games.”
A Legacy in Numbers
The Ashes, which began in 1882, has seen 345 Test matches played between Australia and England, with the Aussies leading the tally with 142 wins to England’s 110. In comparison, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, inaugurated in the 1996/97 season, has seen a shorter yet equally dramatic history. Out of the 52 Tests played under its banner, India leads with 24 wins while Australia has claimed victory in 20 matches.
The trophy is named after legendary batsmen Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar, who were the first players from their respective nations to surpass 10,000 Test runs.
India’s Dominance in Recent Years
India has been the dominant force in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy over the last decade, securing victories in the past four series, including triumphs on Australian soil. Since the 2016/17 season, India has not relinquished the trophy, a fact that adds further intrigue to the impending clash.
Ponting expressed high hopes for the series, expecting it to deliver gripping and competitive cricket. “I don’t know if spice is the right word, but I expect the game to be played sort of almost on the edge, if you like, with two of the best teams in the world not wanting to give an inch to each other,” he said.
Rivalry Beyond Cricket
Ponting also highlighted the broader significance of the Australia-India rivalry, labeling it one of the most intense in world sport. “Not wanting to give an inch to the opposition, not wanting to lose a single contest through the course of those whole five Test matches. That’s the beauty about these great rivalries we have in world sport. Australia-India in a Test match now, it’s as big a rivalry as there is in world sport, not just cricket,” he concluded. As the cricketing world gears up for this blockbuster series, fans and players alike will be eager to witness the unfolding of yet another chapter in one of the sport’s most thrilling rivalries. (PTI)
