Border-Gavaskar Trophy: 5 facts you should know
Labelled as the ‘Final Frontier’ by former Australian skipper Steve Waugh, the Border-Gavaskar series commences on February 9 in Nagpur. Hosts India, who are the reigning champions and have won the last three editions of the intense Test series, need to claim the series if they wish to contest the World Test Championship final later this year.
Meanwhile, the visiting Australian side would be looking to break their voodoo on Indian soil, while on the verge of qualifying for the WTC final themselves. While the fans are gearing up for another instalment of an action-packed series, here are some of the unmissable facts from the renowned Test series between two cricketing powerhouses.
Sachin Tendulkar was the first captain to win a BGT series (one-off Test)
The inaugural edition of the famous Test series was hosted by India in 1996. It was a one-off Test series, which was won by Sachin Tendulkar’s India after their victory in Delhi. Incidentally, it was also Sachin’s first assignment as the Indian Test skipper.
Sachin Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer, and Anil Kumble leading wicket-taker
The renowned red-ball series has seen some memorable encounters between the two sides, with very less to separate the cricketing giants. However, Sachin is the leading run-scorer in the history of the series, with 3262 runs from 65 innings, and former Indian skipper Anil Kumble is the most successful bowler, with 111 wickets in 20 matches.
India have won the last three BGTs
The Border Gavaskar Trophy has exchanged hands on numerous occasions between the two sides, but the Asian side have managed to retain the trophy for a while now, winning the last three series, with two of their triumphs remarkably coming on Australian soil.
The hosts have lost the BGT in India only once (04/05)
The upcoming series will prove to be a tough assignment for Pat Cummins’ side as Australia have managed to win the trophy in the subcontinent on only one occasion, which came nearly two decades ago under the mercurial Ricky Ponting.
There has been only one drawn BGT
It will be another mouthwatering contest between the two fierce rivals with a spot for the WTC final up for grabs for both sides. Viewers can expect another hard-fought series as the BGT has been drawn only once in the last 15 editions. There is almost guaranteed a winner after the four Test matches.