NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has likened the Australia-India rivalry to the iconic Ashes, describing it as one of the most anticipated battles in world cricket.
The first Test of the much-awaited series will be held at Perth’s Optus Stadium, starting on November 22.
Ponting, a former Australian skipper, has encouraged both teams to uphold a competitive yet fair approach throughout the series.
“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. I think we all look forward to these sorts of battles. 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,” Ponting said on a recent episode of the ICC Review.
Commenting on the intensity and banter that fans can expect during the series, Ponting predicted a hard-fought contest.
“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.
“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,” the World Cup-winning captain said.
Highlighting the rivalry’s global significance, Ponting remarked:
“That’s the beauty of these great rivalries in world sport. Australia-India in a Test match now is as big a rivalry as there is in world sport, not just cricket,” the 49-year-old added.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin in Perth on November 22, followed by a day-night Test in Adelaide from December 6 to 10.
The third Test is scheduled for The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18.
The traditional Boxing Day Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30, with the series concluding at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.