Gautam Gambhir Backs India To Defend The Border-Gavaskar Trophy Despite Availability Of Steve Smith And David Warner

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has made a reasonably massive claim ahead of India’s tour of Australia later this year. The Men in Blue will travel down under to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in a four-Test series, beginning on the 3rd of December in Brisbane. While Australia are expected to play in full strength, Gautam Gambhir believes the tourists can retain the coveted Trophy, courtesy mainly of their fast bowlers.

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In 2018-19, Virat Kohli’s men became the first side in over 70 years to win a Test series in Australia, excelling in all three departments. However, the hosts played their second-string team, mainly devoid of Steve Smith and David Warner, two of the prolific run-getters in their ranks.

The duo served a one-year ban for their involvement in the sandpaper fiasco in March 2018. Their absence caused them to put abject batting performances consistently that resulted in a heavy defeat.

According to Gautam Gambhir, his countrymen have the fast bowlers to inflict difficulties on any team under any conditions. The left-handed batsman added that riding on the previous time’s success; they would again pose a serious challenge to Tim Paine’s men.

If dealing with Smith and Warner will be a challenge, India might also find it hard to get past Marnus Labuschagne, who has risen as an absolute run-machine since the Ashes 2019.

“India has the fast bowlers to challenge any team in any conditions. I am sure with success on the last tour of Australia in the bag, if we go to Australia, we will be a serious challenge to the hosts,” Gambhir stated as quoted by Times of India.

It is important they take everyone else in confidence: Gautam Gambhir

The T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in Australia remains highly doubtful even as there existed signs of getting it better. Nevertheless, the city of Melbourne saw a surge in cases of COVID-19, forcing to go into lockdown again. The cricketer-turned-politician opined that such decisions are not easy to make and that ICC will carefully consider everything, revealing the verdict shortly.

“Look, these decisions are not easy to make. It has to be a well-thought-out call. I am sure ICC will clarify their stand sooner or later. It is important they take everyone else in confidence,” the 38-year-old added.

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