Pace And Bounce: How Will The Pitches Treat India In BGT 2024-25

Kohli and other Indian batters will face challenges in Australia [Source: @Tarun113344/X.Com] Kohli and other Indian batters will face challenges in Australia [Source: @Tarun113344/X.Com]

India have reached the Australian shores for the Border-Gavaskar series and the buzz has already started for the highly competitive series between two strong Test teams. The first of the 5-match Test series will commence at Perth on November 22.

In recent times, India have done tremendously well against the Aussies in their own backyard, so much so that the side is gunning for a third straight series win against them, Down Under. However, this time the challenge difficulty has increased since India need to beat the home side, 4-0 to advance to the WTC finale.

Apart from the WTC finals, India will also have to be wary of the pitches that are being offered on all five venues. Hence, with the series beginning in a week's time, we look at what the different venues will offer to the Indian side as they gear up for the Aussie challenge.

Pace and bounce awaits India in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane

The schedule of the series has been designed to give maximum trouble to the Indian side. Historically, India has struggle against pace and bounce, and the venues of the first three venues offers just that.

Perth has one of the fastest and bounciest surface in the world and the last time India played here, they suffered a crushing defeat. Adelaide is generally a quality batting track, but since it will be a Pink-Ball Test, India will find it difficult to score runs. The last time India played in Adelaide, they got bundled out for 36.

The third venue of the tour has the reputation of being the fastest track in the world - The Gabba. However, India on their previous tour breached the fortress and thrashed Australia to clinch the series. However, they will be tested at this venue, since it is not easy for any visiting team to directly adjust to the pace and bounce of Gabba.

Relatively batting friendly surface in MCG, SCG

Over the years, the Indian side have enjoyed playing at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The drop in pitches at the two venues mean that the ball doesn't bounce as much as the other venues in Australia, and hence, the batters tend to find it easy.

During India's last two Test series wins in Australia, India won both their games at MCG, and had a high-scoring draw in Sydney in 2018, and a close-fought drawn game in 2021.

While the Indian pacers will enjoy the challenge in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, the spinners will come into play in Melbourne and Sydney.