The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) stands at 1-1 after the recently concluded third Test in Brisbane. With the series on the line, the remaining two matches are expected to be close battles.
However, former Indian pacer Harbhajan Singh opined that India had the upper hand over the host nation. He noted that this was the “easiest” Australian batting line-up and that the visitors had a great chance of pulling off victories in the fourth and fifth Tests in Melbourne and Sydney respectively.
Hailing India as favorites in the last two BGT Tests 2024-25, Harbhajan He said in a video clip shared on his YouTube channel (from 10:03):
“This Australian team is weak. I think they are the easiest team so far if you talk about batting. From what I have seen in the last two matches, sometimes it seems like anyone can get out at any time. But when I see KL Rahul he looks strong and he will only be able to hit a good ball.” “Similarly, with (Ravindra) Jadeja, you will need a good ball to get him out. Even though (Virat) Kohli was out, the ball was good and Australia did not show any power in their batting.”
Next fourth BGT 2024-25 The Test will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26. The last time India and Australia faced off in a Boxing Day Test, India completed a stunning eight-wicket win in Melbourne under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane in 2020.
“If you stop his runs, he will get out” – Harbhajan Singh talks about how Indian bowlers will fare well against Travis Head in BGT 2024-25
Australian batsman Travis Head has been a thorn in India's flesh in BGT 2024-25. Harbhajan Singh believes India should work on not allowing Souths to score freely in the remaining two matches.
Just that head He could be dismissed early if the Indian bowlers stop his flow of runs. Speaking in the aforementioned video, the cricketer-turned-commentator said (from 11:26):
“He (Head) only scored runs on one side, towards point and cover. I think India planned to pounce directly on him so that he would have to score on the ground or on the leg side. We also didn't do that.” Use the short ball a lot too, the plan is not just for a couple of times but it has to be implemented continuously.
Head has looked in great form in BGT 2024-25, hitting two centuries and a knock of 89 runs across five innings. He has scored 409 runs at an average of 81.80 which is the leading in the series.
Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee