IND vs AUS: India is about to begin their upcoming hectic test schedule with the first home test against Bangladesh. There has been much buzz around India?s next 10-match test schedule, which comprises a 2-match home Test series against Bangladesh and then followed by an immediate 3-match red ball series against New Zealand. The most anticipated among them is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which is often one of the finest red ball tournaments played between the two modern-day greats of Test cricket. These two teams have emerged as the biggest rivals in test cricket, after England and Australia. Also, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been a monopoly for both the Aussies and the Indians whenever they play on their own land, and now it has been won by the Indian side four times in a row, with all of them being played in India. However, this time around players like Marnus Labuschagne have exclaimed that they might not have been able to win the series for long; however, they are a good team and will target their victory. While skipper <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Cummins">Pat Cummins </a>also exclaimed that this has been the only trophy they have not won in a long time, he has also lauded India?s greatness and strengths as a team. 



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/09/Cummins-with-WTC-trophy-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-146854" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pat Cummins led Australia to WTC title in 2023 (Image: ESPNcricinfo)</figcaption></figure>
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 After Aussie kingpin batter David Warner retired from Test matches, their master batter, Steven Smith, could be seen opening the innings alongside Usman Khawaja. However, Smith has not been relishing the role, as it often hampered his form until the 90+ score against the West Indies. 



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 However, the Aussie management has now made an official announcement that Steven Smith will be back in his role as a no. 4 batter, while their star white-ball opener, Travis Head, who has been a part of the red-ball team for a long time now, will be promoted up the order as an opener. Usman Khawaja and Travis Head will be their new opening pair from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Labuschagne and Steven Smith will be the middle-order batters at no. 3 and no. 4. Now, as Head is promoted from no. 5 to the top, both all-rounders, Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green, might be likely seen as batters at no. 6 and no. 5. 



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/09/Marsh-and-Green.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-146855" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Two giant all-rounders to take guard of Australia's middle-order (Image: The Sydney Morning Herald)</figcaption></figure>
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 Alex Carey and the three pacers alongside Lyon might be seen among the tailenders. The Indian team is also looking to make subtle and realistic changes to their squad, which they identified from the Duleep Trophy. 



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2025-3-stars-whom-kkr-might-appoint-as-their-mentors-after-gambhir-turned-india-head-coach/">IPL 2025: 3 stars whom KKR might appoint as their mentors after Gambhir turned India head coach</a> With the likes of Rohit Sharma and young Yashasvi Jaiswal likely being the openers, Shubman Gill is doubtful at No. 3 since his form has been a major concern. Hence, India's new head coach Gambhir might be trying out new batters at the position, while following veteran Kohli at second down, players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, and Sarfaraz Khan have been suitable for the middle order. India has the most suitable set of Test all-rounders, with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin being picked by the ICC as the top two in the men's Test all-rounder rankings. While Axar Patel has also been important for the role, as his batting prowess down the order adds to his excellence. 



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/09/Pant-and-KL-Rahul-1024x538.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146856" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul return to India's red-ball squad (Image: Scroll.in)</figcaption></figure>
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 Next, India?s pace attack might be spearheaded by Mohammad Shami after his return and the vice captain Jasprit Bumrah. They still remain in the hunt for their third pacer, as Akash Deep emerges as their ace option to be included in the role, while now, after his maiden call-up, even Dayal turns himself into a contender for the role. Hence, before the BGT this year, the Indian team is likely to undergo many major changes, which might be among the middle-order batters as well as their pace bowling deck. India is also in the quest to avenge their loss in the WTC final last time, as the defending champions might be the second team again to make it into the World Test Championship final alongside Team India for the third time, after their two initial losses.

IND vs AUS: With Steven Smith all set to come at No. 4 and Head to Open|||

IND vs AUS: With Steven Smith all set to come at No. 4 and Head to Open, what changes can be predicted to be seen before the upcoming BGT for both teams?

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The IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is slowly gaining further importance in terms of this WTC. Since India has slipped their PCT to almost a marginal difference with the defending champions Australia, they would also be in the quest for a very successful BGT to better their chances for the WTC final. Before the BGT, India A will take on Australia A for the 2-match series, for which Cricket Australia has announced the 17-member squad. India has made the squad announcement for the BGT, as Australia is yet to announce the squad. Playing the Sheffield Shield, many Australian players are looking to gear up for their probable entry to the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which can be a triumphing series for the home team as well. 



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 The Aussies have faced a major setback since <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Warner_(cricketer)">David Warner</a> retired from the longest format of the game, as earlier Steve Smith was seen playing in the opening slot. In recent reports, Smith suggested that he might be moved back down the order to his natural position of No. 4, especially to strengthen their middle order in the absence of ace all-rounder Cameron Green. 



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#sam-konstas-and-nathan-mc-sweeney-have-stepped-in-as-the-ideal-aussie-opening-replacements">Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney have stepped in as the ideal Aussie opening replacements</a></li><li class=""><a href="#likes-of-beau-webster-and-aaron-hardie-are-in-roles-to-replace-cameron-green">Likes of Beau Webster and Aaron Hardie are in roles to replace Cameron Green</a></li></ul></nav></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="sam-konstas-and-nathan-mc-sweeney-have-stepped-in-as-the-ideal-aussie-opening-replacements">Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney have stepped in as the ideal Aussie opening replacements</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Sam-Konstas.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-148995" style="width:689px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The rising talent for Australian cricket - Sam Konstas (Image Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)</figcaption></figure>



Sam Konstas, the player who went on to win the U-19 World Cup this time around with the Aussies, has emerged as a major talent in the Australian domestic circle. Konstas, who scored his twin hundreds, has been compared with Ricky Ponting, the great captain, who had the same feat achieved 21 years ago in the Shield game. Another major name to have stepped up in the opening role alongside Usman Khawaja would include the likes of Nathan McSweeney or seasonal impactful Cameron Bancroft, who has been on the target list of George Bailey, the national selector. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Cameron-Bancroft-1024x576.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-148996" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cameron Bancroft ideal to pair alongside Khawaja for Tests (Image Credit: Fox Sports)</figcaption></figure>



 McSweeney started off his Sheild season with a confident hundred, while Cameron Bancroft averaged over 50.67 in the last two summers on the Sheffield Shield seasons, especially when run-scoring turned difficult in the previous season. Another major name in the squad includes <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Harris_(cricketer)">Marcus Harris</a>, who has had international experience, though in 2022, owing to his weak form, he was dismissed from the squad, despite being a part of Australia's WTC winning squad. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="likes-of-beau-webster-and-aaron-hardie-are-in-roles-to-replace-cameron-green">Likes of Beau Webster and Aaron Hardie are in roles to replace Cameron Green</h2>



Missing out on Cameron Green would be a huge concern for the Australian side, as his batting abilities are often an asset for the Aussies in the middle order. Likes of Mitchell Marsh might be the known all-rounder in the middle order, but his bowling void seems eminent. Webster is one of the greatest all-rounders in the Australian domestic circle, as he has averaged over 53.12 playing for Tasmania with the bat. Webster is a unique bowler who bowls an intermediate between medium pace and off-spin, as he completed 66 wickets over the last two seasons. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Beau-Webster-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148997" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Webster is the most in-form player to replace Cameron Green (Image Credit: X.com)</figcaption></figure>



 His chances for Australia A might hand him better chances, as his versatility can hand him a spot in the Aussie test squad, and his spin can be effective against India despite their overseas conditions, while also being effective for the Sri Lankan tour. Hardie, who has often been drafted to replace the likes of Cameron Green in limited-overs cricket, can be an equally effective bowler while his batting finesse is still under the radar. Likes of Sean Abbott, Michael Neser, and Scott Boland are always in consideration for the red-ball matches that are yet to come, while Murphy might also be sighted as the optional spinner alongside Nathan Lyon for the BGT. 



ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/huge-update-for-csk-fans-as-reports-claim-ms-dhoni-is-all-set-to-feature-for-csk-in-ipl-2025/"> Huge update for CSK fans as reports claim MS Dhoni is all set to feature for CSK in IPL 2025</a>

IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: With Steven Smith destined to be back at No. 4, these players are auditioning for the opening spot in the Australian 11|||

IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: With Steven Smith destined to be back at No. 4, these players are auditioning for the opening spot in the Australian 11

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Australia Cricket Team's test skipper Pat Cummins and elite batter Steven Smith are on the brink of securing significant-milestones ahead of the Boxing-Day Test-Match versus Team India. 
Smith, who brought an end to his 25-inning hundred drought in the Gabba Test-Match which ended in a draw, possesses an incredible record with the bat in Boxing-Day Test-Matches as he has amassed 1,093 runs in 11 games at an unbelievable average of 78.07, with four hundreds and five half-centuries next to his name.
The 35-year-old is away by just 191 runs to reach the milestone of 10,000 runs in the longest format of the game and become just the fourth Aussie batter to achieve the massive landmark after Allan Border, Ricky Ponting and the legendary Steve Waugh. 
Smith's current runs tally in Test-Matches stands at 9,809 runs after taking part in 112 games and 200 innings, with an amazing average of 56.05 and he has also scored 33 hundreds and 41 half centuries. 
Pat Cummins on the other hand, is also approaching yet another huge milestone as he is close to completing 500 wickets in International Cricket.
The 31-year-old pacer needs to dismiss eight more batters to become just the seventh Aussie bowler to pick up 500 wickets in International Cricket after the likes of the legendary Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn McGrath, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. 
The Australian skipper has currently picked up 492 wickets at a really good average of 24.53, with his best figures standing at 6-23 and he also has 14 five-wicket-hauls next to his name.
<h2>Australia's Playing 11 for the Boxing-Day Test-Match versus India</h2>
Pat Cummins (Captain), Sam Konstas, Alex Carey (WK), Mitch Marsh, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Travis Head and Scott Boland.

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-4th-test-dream-11-teams-h2h-record-pitch-report-weather-report-and-more/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IND vs AUS 4th Test: Dream 11 Teams, H2H Record, Pitch Report, Weather Report and more</a>

Steve Smith (L) and Pat Cummins (R) of Australia | Image: Getty Images

The Australian duo of Steven Smith and Pat Cummins are anticipated to play an important role in helping Australia win the BGT after 10 years. Both of them are also looking to secure massive milestones in the Boxing-Day Test-Match versus India

IND vs AUS: Smith and Cummins eye huge milestones in Boxing Day Test versus India

ind-vs-aus-smith-and-cummins-eye-huge-milestones-in-boxing-day-test-versus-india

In what proves to be a massive and a remarkable achievement, Australian Cricket Team's elite batsman Steven Smith has broken the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's prestigious record following his splendid hundred in the ongoing 4th test-match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Batting at the fourth spot in the batting-order, the former Aussie skipper slammed an incredible ton, helping the Kangaroos gain the upper-hand in the do-or-die encounter at the iconic stadium. 
The 35-year-old who failed to meet the expectations of the Australian fans in the Adelaide and Perth Test-Matches, rediscovered his magic with the bat with the help of a wonderful ton in the Gabba Test-match. He didn't let his good momentum go away, slamming yet another important century and helped the Kangaroos post a huge first inning score in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-match. In this process, the former Australian skipper also broken Tendulkar's record of slamming the highest number of centuries in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
<h3>List of batters to have slammed the highest number of centuries in the history of Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series</h3>
<table id="table-m561o8g4" border="1" style="width: 100.732%; height: 112px;">
<tbody>
<tr id="row0" style="height: 10px;">
<th id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 10px;">Batter</th>
<th id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 10px;">Innings</th>
<th id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 10px;">Hundreds</th>
</tr>
<tr id="row1" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Steve Smith</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">41</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">10</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row2" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Sachin Tendulkar</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">65</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row3" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Virat Kohli</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">47</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row4" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Ricky Ponting</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">51</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">8</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row5" style="height: 22px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">Michael Clarke</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">40</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Prior to his inning of 140 runs at the MCG, Smith had scored the same number of BGT tons as Kohli &amp; Tendulkar. So, elite Indian batter Virat Kohli also has an opportunity to go past the little master and match Smith if he slams a hundred in the Boxing-Day Test.
<h2>Steve Smith goes past Joe Root with his century in Melbourne</h2>
Records keep flowing from the bat of Elite Australian batter Steve Smith and with the help of 34th Test ton in Melbourne, he has now become the player who has scored the most centuries in the history of Test cricket versus the Indian Team i.e 11 centuries.
Before Smith, this record was in the name of England's Joe Root who has slammed 10 incredible tons versus the Men in Blue. Apart from him, the likes of Ricky Ponting, Vivian Richards and Gary Sobers have also scored 8 centuries each against India.
Also, Smith has now equalled Brian Lara, Sunil Gavaskar, Younus Khan and Mahela Jayawadene in terms of scoring the most centuries in the history of the five-day format. All of these legendary players had scored 34 centuries in Test cricket. This is also Smith's 46th century in his international career.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>

Steven Smith of Australia celebrates scoring his 34 test ton in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus India at the MCG | Image: Getty Images

Steven Smith of Australia has broken multiple records with the help of his 34th Test century in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus Team India

Steve Smith goes past Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, sets the record for the most number of centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

steve-smith-goes-past-sachin-tendulkar-and-kohli-sets-the-record-for-the-most-number-of-centuries-in-border-gavaskar-trophy

India dominated Pakistan with Kohli’s century and disciplined bowling, securing a 6-wicket victory. Pakistan’s 241 wasn’t enough as India chased comfortably, sealing a semifinal spot and virtually eliminating Pakistan from the tournament.

IND vs PAK: REVENGED! KING KOHLI Stars as India Crushed Pakistan by 6 Wickets

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After getting hit for a four, Shaheen Afridi came up with a brutal reply as he made India captain Rohit Sharma look clueless.

Watch: Shaheen Afridi takes his revenge! Bamboozles Rohit Sharma with a brutal yorker

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Pakistan National Cricket Team put hard yards in their preparations for the game against India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

IND vs PAK: Pakistan ordered to win at any cost against India in 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

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Babar Azam, as per the reports, is down with viral just like India's Rishabh Pant.

Babar Azam ruled out of India game in 2025 ICC Champions Trophy? Batter suffers...

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India and Pakistan's fierce ICC rivalry continues, with India dominating overall but Pakistan excelling in the Champions Trophy. Shubman Gill’s record-breaking form adds excitement to this high-stakes clash.

steven smith