Australia pacer Mitchell Starc believes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India will feature five Tests for the first time in three decades, making it as important for his side as the coveted Ashes. The crucial series between India and Australia, starting in November, will feature five Tests for the first time since 1991-92.
Starc told Wide World of Sports, “This time it will be a five-match series, which has made it as important as the Ashes series.” Australia have not won the Border Gavaskar Trophy since 2014-15, while India have won four consecutive series during this period. India defeated Australia on its soil twice during this period in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Starc not only intends to win the series, but he also wants his team to clean sweep, especially when this series is part of the World Test Championship.
He said, “We want to win every match on our home ground and we also know that the Indian team is very strong.” India is currently at the top of the World Test Championship table while Australia is at the second position. Starc said, “India and Australia are currently at the top of the Test rankings. So it is going to be a very exciting series for the fans and of course the players. Hopefully the trophy will be in our hands on January 8.
Starc is only 11 matches away from playing 100 Test matches and the left-arm fast bowler has no intention of retiring from the long format yet. He said, “Whenever I get a chance to wear the baggy green cap, it feels very special. Hopefully we will be able to win all five Test matches in the summer season. As far as playing 100 Test matches is concerned, it will definitely be very special.
Starc will travel to England for a limited-overs series next month and will then play domestic cricket for New South Wales to prepare for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. He said, “Test cricket has always been a priority for me. We have to play seven Test matches in the upcoming season. Five of these will be against India and two against Sri Lanka. These matches are a priority for us. We are all currently preparing for the series against India.
