Ricky Ponting identifies next big challenge for Australia after BGT 2024-25 series triumph against India

Australia celebrated a historic victory in the series of 3-1 over Indiareturning the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 for the first time in a decade. The triumph, sealed with a six-wicket victory in the final Test, ended India’s 10-year dominance in the premier competition. It marked a pivotal moment for the Australian cricket team, a testament to their grit, determination and desire to restore their supremacy in red cricket after suffering several setbacks in this hotly contested rivalry.

Milestone for Australia vs India

The series got off to a rough start for the Aussies in Perth, where India put in an excellent performance. Jasprit BumrahFiery spells exposed weaknesses in Australia’s batting line-up, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli compiled brilliant centuries to hand India a comfortable victory. This initial loss not only dented Australia’s morale, but also triggered intense introspection within the team. Questions related to their approach, fitness and performance dominated the discussions, both in the dressing room and in cricketing circles. The defeat was the wake-up call that ultimately sparked Australia’s revival.

Australia’s turnaround began with a dominant performance in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. The home side showed their ability to thrive under pressure, leveling the series with a clinical victory. The third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw, but it was the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne that really defined Australia’s revival. An excellent performance in batting and bowling enabled them to take control of the series. By the time the final Test in Sydney arrived, Australia were brimming with confidence, securing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with an emphatic display under Pat Cummins.

Booking a place in the 2023-25 ​​WTC final against South Africa

The series win was particularly significant as it ended India’s 10-year reign over the BGT. Australia last won the trophy during the 2014-15 season, defeating India 2-0 in the four-match series at home. Since then, India have won four consecutive series, including two on Australian soil – historic triumphs that have cemented their reputation as one of the strongest Test sides. Winning the trophy again in 2024 was not just about ending the streak, but re-establishing Australia’s position as a Test cricket powerhouse.

Apart from the BGT, this series win also ensured Australia qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.. This marks their second consecutive finals appearance at the WTC, where they are set to face each other South Africa. The team’s ability to dominate in the longest format reflects their consistency and adaptability in challenging conditions. The WTC final offers Australia a golden opportunity to assert its dominance on the global stage, after a redemptive arc against India.

READ ALSO: No Pat Cummins as Australia field Test squad to tour Sri Lanka; Cooper Connolly gets the first call

Ricky Ponting highlights the upcoming Australian hurdles after winning the BGT series

While the win against India was a monumental achievement, the Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting issued a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead. Ponting highlighted the aging composition of the Australian team, noting that the squad is mostly made up of players in their 30s, with only one teenager among them. He emphasized that this success, although extraordinary, should not overshadow the need to prepare for the future.

“There is not a single player in that team in their 20s. You have one at 19 and everyone else over 30. That will be the next challenge for this Australian group. That will be the next challenge for this Australian group, not just for the Australian team, but for Australian cricket is to bring in this new group of young players. There aren’t many opportunities,” Ponting told the ICC Review.

He stressed that the tours of Sri Lanka and the West Indies, scheduled before the Ashes, present critical opportunities for young talent. However, he also acknowledged the complexities of such transitions, especially in challenging environments such as Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions.

“We have a tour of Sri Lanka and then the West Indies before the Ashes next summer. If they want to bring in young players, it probably has to start in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. And if you’re bringing young players to tour Sri Lanka, it’s not going to be an easy place for anyone to start,” Ponting concluded.

READ ALSO: Michael Clarke names the ‘best fast bowler ever’ in all three formats