BGT 2024-25: India, Aus set to renew rivalry in Perth with one eye on WTC final

As riveting as it always is, a Test series between India and Australia can be best summarised by simple oneliner apprentices turning master, boys becoming men, and some nastiness.'

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

The stage is set for another epic battle when the two cricketing powerhouses face off in the opener of the five-test rubber at the Optus Stadium in Perth from Friday.

Keeping aside the mindgames, expert predictions, and discussions on the form of players of either side, the two teams will focus on the real action that could eventually decide at least one of the finalists of the next World Test Championship Final at Lord's in June 2025.

Reeling from a recent bitter home debacle against New Zealand, India will look to draw confidence from their adventures of the previous tour Down Under, especially after breaching the Gabbatoir despite the absence of a star cast. That triumph not only ended Australia's 32-year hegemony in Brisbane, but also injected confidence in the young brigade under Ajinkya Rahane to play to the situation rather than solely relying on the big names.