India is preparing for a much-anticipated five-match Test series in Australia later this year. Since their 2-0 series win over India in the 2014/15 season, Australia has not defeated India in a Test series. India has since secured victories on Australian soil in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 series, and also triumphed at home in 2017 and 2023.
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has predicted another series win for India, forecasting a 3-1 victory. In his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar wrote, "It’s going to be an exciting series with talent on both sides, and it will showcase why Test cricket is the ultimate format of our beloved game. My prediction is a 3-1 win for India."
Gavaskar highlighted Australia's weaknesses, particularly in their opening batting, which have been exacerbated by David Warner's retirement. He also pointed out that Australia's middle order is somewhat unsettled, making them vulnerable to India.
However, Gavaskar expressed concern about India's tendency to start slowly in overseas series, especially in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. "The first Test will be crucial, especially since India isn't playing proper first-class games before the series or during the week-long gaps between some Test matches," he added.
Gavaskar noted that this scheduling challenge is not unique to India, as most touring teams face similar issues today. He referenced Yashasvi Jaiswal's difficulties in South Africa last year due to a lack of first-class experience, although Jaiswal made a strong comeback with over 700 runs against England at home.
India will visit Australia for the first time since the 1991-92 series, with the first Test set to be held at Perth Stadium from November 22-26. The second Test, a day-night pink-ball match, will take place at Adelaide Oval in the first week of December. The series will then move to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, followed by the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26-30, 2024, and conclude with the fifth Test in Sydney in January 2025.