The wait is about to come to an end as the 2023 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is all set to get underway in 2 days with the 1st Test scheduled to take place at Nagpur. A lot has been happening in the build up to the 4-match Test series mostly verbal jabs by current and former players.
While Australia has complained about the unreasonable pitches and also refused to play a practice match in order to undergo a separate 4-day camp at the KSCA stadium, India has replied saying the Baggy Greens are known for their mind games and it is nothing new (Australia’s criticism on Indian pitches and refusal to play practice matches).
Solid Preparation underway in Australia #INDvAUS #BGT pic.twitter.com/vXBN2ZdI7r
— CricFit (@CricFit) January 29, 2023
Australia's preparation hasn't been conventional but the skipper and the coach are pleased with how everything has gone #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/3h7Ul4Wgjs
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 4, 2023
Predictions have also been made and the both the sides have equal chances of landing the BGT trophy. Australia in particular will look to bag home the significant trophy home after failing to win the last 2 series in 2017 and 2021. For India, winning the 4-match series will ensure qualification to the ICC World Test championship Final.
Meanwhile, Former Indian Cricketer, Head coach and renowned commentator Ravi Shashtri has come out to back the Blues to clinch the famous series by 2-1. The Aussies have gone without winning a series in India since 2004 and they are regarded as the underdogs in this edition.
This never gets old 🤪🥴 🔥 #BGT2023 #INDvsAUS seriously want to see Smith vs Virat this time #ViratKohli #Smith pic.twitter.com/5wkXv54gkm
— Vishal Khilwani (@vk231296) February 5, 2023
“As far as the series result goes, I think India should back themselves to win this series by a two-match margin. You’re playing at home, you’ve got the bowlers for that. You’ve got the batting line-up as well. I think you’ve got to put pressure from Test match one,” – Ravi Shashtri shared his opinion.
Can't wait for it to start #BGT2023 #INDvAUS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RMHS8kZPCI
— Vishal Khilwani (@vk231296) February 1, 2023
He also spoke upon the Indian bowling unit and predicted that Surya Kumar Yadav and Wicket-keeper Batsman KS Bharat could make their debut in the Red ball format.
Promo out for much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023!!!
It's gonna be a humdinger of a series…#INDvsAUS #BGT2023pic.twitter.com/RMOQrgXFY2— OneCricket (@OneCricketApp) January 28, 2023
“It will be three spinners Ashwin, Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Keeper will be the person who will be good with the gloves than with the bat. Suryakumar Yadav’s debut is on the cards.” – concluded Shashtri
