Is the fight for the Border-Gavaskar trophy now bigger than the Ashes?

It’s incomprehensible to us. How can anything be bigger than the Ashes? The Ashes – the series which has an extraordinary history dating back to 1882 when cricket was played almost exclusively be noblemen. The Ashes – the series to which all other series lead. The Ashes – the series against which an England captain’s success is measured. The Ashes – the reason England retired their record-breaking bowler eighteen months before their next visit to Australia. How can anything be bigger than that?

History certainly favours the Anglo-Australian series. To date, there have been 73 series (Australia lead 34-32 with 7 drawn series). The stories that have developed over those years are almost mythical. Harold Larwood’s bodyline tactic in 1932-33 which prompted the rule change about fielders behind square on the leg-side. The late great Shane Warne’s first ball in 1993 which dawned the career of a legend. Substitute Gary Pratt’s run-out in 2005 which meant that he never had to buy a pint again (hopefully). And last but not least, Ben Stokes’ heroics at Headingley in 2019. Competition between England and Australia isn’t just a sporting rivalry, it has greater context historically – it’s the convicts against the conquerors. In comparison, India and Australia have only been playing test matches against one another since 1947, and only under its current name since 1996. Based solely upon these storied past events, the Ashes certainly has a strong case. 

Conversely, one can understand the hype generated in India and Australia. This is now India’s premier series, having not played Pakistan in a test match since 2008. The Indian public’s appetite for cricket is unparalleled and they demand to be entertained. In Pakistan’s absence, Australia have stepped up as worthy rivals.

For Australia, there is a feeling that India are more competitive than England. Certainly, they have been in recent years. India have emerged victorious in the last four series, winning each by two matches to one. That includes two victories in Australia, a feat that England haven’t achieved since that team of 2010-11. Australia, on the other hand, emerged victorious in the one-off World Test Championship final in 2023. Could it simply be that the Australian public are more excited for an Indian visit than an English one because they think that the matches will be closer? The layers to the rivalry are adding up.

The most recent series in Australia was compelling, even for an Englishman watching from afar. The fourth test in particular was remarkable. The Indian side was weakened by injuries to key bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Ashwin, and Virat Kohli’s paternity leave. Nonetheless, they were able to secure the series by winning the match by three wickets with only three overs of the match left. You may remember it as the coming-of-age of Rishabh Pant, the talented wicket-keeper scoring an unbeaten 89 to lead his team to victory.

As I have noted in previous articles, I am a big fan of a long tour with multiple formats played. That series in 2020-21, as Covid-19 restrictions were coming to an end, was preceded by an ODI series and a T20 series – the former won by Australia and the latter by India. That undoubtedly adds to the narrative of the summer, allowing the plot lines to develop in full.

This time around, its solely test matches. However, there will now be five. To add further credence to the theory that the Australian’s are treating it akin to the Ashes, the schedule is exactly as an English touring side might expect. Perth-Adelaide-Brisbane-Melbourne-Sydney, with the ‘G on Boxing Day of course.

This morning in Perth, India fell to 150 all out. Meanwhile Pant, normally swashbuckling, was defiant in his approach scoring 37 off 78 balls. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, the promising 21-year-old all-rounder, top scored with 41. India were able to strike back later in the day though, the stat-busting Bumrah taking three wickets in his opening spell, including that of Steve Smith first ball. Australia ended the day 67/7, their hopes dangling by a thread. Today has served as a delightful appetiser, whetting the appetite for the long series.

So, is the BGT bigger than the Ashes? Not for me just yet. But ask me again in seven weeks.

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By Leon Parrott