'Had More Succcess vs England': Aussie Skipper Pat Cummins Feels IND-AUS Rivalry Mirrors That of Age-old Ashes

Australia’s Test skipper, Pat Cummins has acknowledged that the rivalry against India is ‘mirroring’ that of the 140-year-old bilateral series between England and the Aussies, the Ashes.

The India-Australia rivalry will also be similar to that of the Ashes since the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 series will be a five-match affair just like the Ashes.

“I do think it is,” said Cummins when asked if the India-Australia rivalry matched that of the Ashes.

Cummins credited Team India’s reputation of being a dominant force at home but more importantly, they have become a side that is formidable in away conditions as well which makes them one of the best Test sides in the world currently.

“Particularly, after the Indian team won the last couple of series at (our) home. We’ve had more success against England over the past decade. I think it’s right up there,” he said as quoted by PTI.

In fact, in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, India has retained the title for the past 10 years which includes two series victories over the mighty Aussies who have been dominant under home conditions.

Cummins also highlighted the increase in viewership when it comes to India’s games which also gives a different element as compared to the Ashes.

“You know when you play against India, you’ve got a few Indian fans that are watching. It’s a slightly different rivalry than England-Australia rivalry. But again, now having a five-Test match series, it does mirror the Ashes series very closely,” he said.

“Winning (in) Test cricket away from home is as tough as it gets in our sport and India have done that around the world. They are good at home but also, one of the better teams to travel as well — that’s their reputation,” he concluded.

Both India and Australia are set to face off in the five-match series Down Under beginning on November 22 through to January 7. The two sides are arguably the best in the business currently and the clash between the two titans will prove to be an enthralling affair.

(with PTI Inputs)