“Even though they have beaten Australia in recent times, I think Australia have a chance to beat India this time around" - Jason Gillespie
Pakistan Test coach and former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie has backed the Aussies to beat India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year. Australia are aiming to secure their first series win over India in a decade and avoid a hat-trick of series losses against them on home soil.
With both sides heading towards a major transition, the majority feel that yet another closely contested affair between the two sides is imminent. The two heavyweights are placed atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy's outcome could play a huge role in how the points table is shaped.
Gillespie trusts Australia's experienced bowling unit to pull off the series. The trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc have been potent on home soil for years, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon also brings a lot to the table.
"I will be backing them to do the job. They are the best bowlers in the country. I think their records speak for themselves. This quartet is the best possible bowling attack that Australia can put out in the park," Gillespie told Fox Cricket.
"They are red-hot, they are playing some good test cricket for a while now. Even though they have beaten Australia in recent times, I think Australia have a chance to beat India this time around," he added
Each of the last four Test series between the two sides has ended in a 2-1 result in India's favor.
"I have a feeling that he might have slot back in the middle order" - Jason Gillespie on Steve Smith
One of the most talked about points during the build-up to the series is Steve Smith's batting position. The ace batter was promoted to open the innings following David Warner's retirement and has returned mixed scores over the last two series.
Several former players have implored Australia to restore Smith to No.4 for the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gillespie admitted that he did not mind Smith's new role, but felt that his return to the middle order is vital.
“Players like David Warner are pretty tough to replace. I didn’t mind the idea of Steve Smith going up in the order. I have a feeling that he might have slot back in the middle order to bat at 4,” Gillespie said in the same interaction.
The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth.