Border-Gavaskar Trophy officially extended, to now be played as five-Test affair

The maiden five-Test series between India and Australia was held during the 1991-92 season.

There is a lot of anticipation around India’s Test tour of Australia, scheduled for later this year. While Cricket Australia (CA) is yet to unveil the fixtures, it has now been confirmed that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a five-Test affair from now onwards.

The maiden five-match Test series between India and Australia was held during the 1991-92 season and will be a highlight of the 2024-25 international calendar.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed the development in a release from Cricket Australia.

“The BCCI remains steadfast in its dedication to preserving the rich heritage of Test Cricket, a format we hold in the highest esteem,” Shah said.

“Our ongoing collaboration with Cricket Australia in extending the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to five Tests underscores our collective commitment to nurturing and elevating Test cricket’s significance,” he added.

“This extension echoes our shared vision to amplify the essence of Test cricket and uphold its legacy. As India and Australia, come together, we anticipate an enthralling spectacle that will captivate fans worldwide with its intensity and excitement,” he further stated.

Mike Baird, CA chair, said, “We are absolutely delighted the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been extended to five Tests given the intense rivalry between our two great cricketing nations and the excitement this creates.

Baird is also hopeful that Australia will overcome the challenge of an Indian team that has beaten them on home den two tours in a row now.

“The eyes of the cricket world will be on Australia and I’m confident Pat Cummins’ World Champion team can overcome the skill and depth of the Indian team who played so brilliantly to win the last two series here and reclaim the trophy.

“We’re grateful for the collaboration with the BCCI and I echo Mr Shah’s sentiments about the pre-eminence of Test cricket. We look forward to hosting their team, officials and fans throughout what will be a tremendous series and a highlight of a packed summer of cricket.”

According to a release from CA, the long-cricket format attracted over one million viewers on linear and streaming services for 29 sessions this summer, while more than 9.5 million viewers tuned in to Star Sports.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series is expected to attract even higher numbers, with much-anticipated series lined up on the calendar.

(With ANI Inputs)