Mumbai: The upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy is drawing near with the Test match, between India and Australia set to kick off on November 22nd. Since its establishment, in 1996 the Border Gavaskar Trophy has witnessed a series of showdowns but this years opening match is expected to be exceptionally memorable. An unprecedented milestone awaits as the teams step onto the field for the coin toss.
Australia aims to leave a lasting impression, in this series under the guidance of Pat Cummins as their leader while Indian pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah will take over as captain in place of the skipper Rohit Sharma who is yet to join the team for this series This sets up a unique situation where both teams are captained by fast bowlers which is not a common sight, in international cricket.
The opening game is scheduled at Optus Stadium, in Perth where Bumrah and Cummins will step onto the field for the coin toss—a moment as it marks the occasion in Border Gavaskar Trophy history where two fast bowlers lead their teams in a match together. It’s worth noting that this years series will witness another occurrence in cricket as two fast bowlers assume captaincy roles in a Test match; a scenario previously seen in Christchurch when Cummins led his team, against Tim Southee.
This Test holds importance for Jasprit Bumrah as it marks his second stint, as captain of the Indian Test team. Previously in 2022 against England he led the team. Faced a defeat. Now stepping in for Rohit Sharma amid his COVID 19 test Bumrah seeks to secure his win, as captain in this upcoming series.
Pat Cummins also offers leadership skills as a captain, on the field with his experience in leading Australia in 28 Test matches so far with a record of 17 wins 6 losses and 5 draws, under his belt In contrast Bumrah has participated in 40 Test matches and secured 173 wickets.