The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 between India and Australia, starting on November 22, is one of the most eagerly anticipated Test series of the year. This series will be crucial for India’s chances to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, scheduled to take place in England next year.
Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
India must win the series 4-0 to ensure their qualification without depending on the outcomes of other matches. The series will kick off in Perth, with the second Test scheduled for a day-night match at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The action will then shift to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test from December 14 to 18, followed by the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The final Test will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, 2025, promising a thrilling conclusion to this high-stakes contest.
India’s squad for the BGT has changed, with veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara not included. This creates an opportunity for younger players to step up. One of these fresh faces is opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will play for the first time in Australia. The young opener has been in form, but this series will test him in new, challenging conditions. In light of this, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer posted a cryptic message on X, which many speculated was directed at Jaiswal.
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Wasim Jaffer’s cryptic message ahead of Perth Test
On Friday (November 21) Jaffer took to his X handle to share a playful yet thought-provoking post. He uploaded a small clip from the iconic Bollywood song Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai from the movie Khal Nayak. The clip specifically highlighted the “Ku ku ku ku ku ku ku ku” part of the song, leading many cricket enthusiasts to believe that Jaffer was sending a subtle message to Jaiswal. The speculation grew when fans connected the post to former England captain and champion opener Alastair Cook, who is renowned for his success in Australian conditions.
My msg to @ybj_19 for BGT 😉 #IYKYK #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/EeKvLjitao
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 21, 2024
Cook’s remarkable record in Australia includes scoring 1664 runs across 36 Test innings at an impressive average of 48.94. He made a major impact on his first Australian tour in 2006, scoring a century in Perth after struggling in Brisbane and Adelaide. This century was pivotal in showcasing Cook’s ability to adjust to the tough Australian conditions, known for their pace and bounce. It is likely that Jaffer’s cryptic post was a nod to Cook’s performance, suggesting that Jaiswal should take inspiration from Cook’s adaptability, patience, and temperament.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s challenge in Australia
This series will be Jaiswal’s first Test tour of Australia, and it poses a unique set of challenges for the young batter. While Jaiswal has played Test matches in West Indies, South Africa and India, the Australian pitches are known for their extra pace, bounce, and swing, making it a difficult environment for even the most experienced batters.
Earlier this year, Jaiswal faced challenges in South Africa, where he struggled to make a significant impact. The conditions in Australia, known for their similar bounce and pace to South Africa, may pose similar difficulties. However, Jaiswal’s impressive debut for India, where he scored 1407 runs in 14 Test matches, including three centuries and a high score of 214*, shows that he has the potential to adapt and thrive in difficult conditions. Jaiswal’s debut in Australia will be a test of his ability to adjust to the fast-paced, bouncy pitches. The advice from Jaffer, potentially inspired by Cook’s success, seems to be a reminder for Jaiswal to emulate Cook’s approach – one that blends solid technique with mental resilience.