Ravi Shastri Highlights Key Player Battles in Anticipation of the Border Gavaskar Trophy

Former India coach Ravi Shastri highlights the critical one-on-one battles that could decide the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia. Focusing on India's batting against Australia's fast bowlers and India's bolstered bowling lineup, Shastri predicts a gripping series with India aiming for a series hat-trick.

As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has underscored the intriguing one-on-one battles set to define the contest. According to Shastri, the series outcome will hinge on which team can win more of these head-to-head duels, as per the ICC.

Shastri highlights the fascinating clash between India's formidable batting lineup and Australia's potent seam attack. He notes that this battle will be central to determining the series' outcome. "It's going to be India's batting against the Australian fast bowlers," Ravi Shastri suggested as quoted by ICC.

On the other side, India's bowling unit, bolstered by the return of key players, is expected to play a crucial role. Shastri is optimistic about the impact that India's bowlers could have, especially with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj in the lineup, complemented by the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

"And of course, the Indian bowling attack is going to be something everyone will be waiting to see," Shastri added. "With (Jasprit) Bumrah fit, (Mohammed) Shami fit, you've got Mohammed Siraj there. You've got the likes of (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja and some very good bench strength as well," he noted.

With both teams boasting world-class talent, this series promises to be a gripping contest. Shastri is confident in India's chances, believing that they have what it takes to secure a third consecutive series victory in Australia.

"One can't wait for that series to start and (I think) India can do the hat-trick (of series victories in Australia)." As fans from both nations eagerly await the first ball, these mouth-watering match-ups are set to provide cricket enthusiasts with a series to remember.

India have won the last two Test series Down Under and have held onto the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy since Australia claimed a 2-0 series triumph on home soil at the start of 2015. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)