Updated 08:59 IST, August 22nd 2024
Matthew Hayden Anticipates Epic Clash Of Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Former cricketer Matthew Hayden eagerly anticipates the intense showdown between Virat Kohli and Steve Smith in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Named after two cricketing legends - Allan Border from Australia and Sunil Gavaskar from India, the Border–Gavaskar Trophy is a renowned Test cricket series contested between Australia and India. Showcasing the finest cricketing ability from both countries, the series has generated tough rivalry, memorable events, and heated fights.
Matthew Hayden eyes to see Steve Smith and Virat Kohli during Border–Gavaskar 2024
Virat Kohli and Steve Smith are the two players you should look out for in the next Border-Gavaskar Trophy series of 2024–25, according to former Australian opener Matthew Hayden. Given the approaching twilight of their careers, Hayden thinks both players will be even more motivated to have a major influence.
Included among the elite group known as the "Fab 4," Smith and Kohli have been among the most consistent and prolific run-scorers in cricket history. Having made his Test debut in 2011, Kohli went through a career-defining series in Australia in 2014–15 accumulating over 650 runs. With nine Test hundreds under his belt, Smith, on the other hand, shows an amazing average of 65.87 versus India.
During a Wednesday, August 21, in an interview with PTI, Hayden offered his views:
“Cricket is a game of momentum and I'm sure those two players, coming now to the later pages of their cricketing careers, will be very keen to dominate the landscape through the summer. That's their nature. They do it in very different ways, very different styles, but certainly they really are the key to the Australian summer.”
Last year's World Test Championship (WTC) final saw Steve Smith and Virat Kohli square off head-to-head. Kohli scored 14 and 49 runs in that battle; Smith exceeded him with innings of 121 and 34, enabling Australia to win 209 runs.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's stellar start to his Test career has garnered notice as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy draws near. Matthew Hayden thinks Jaiswal's expected clash with off-spinner Nathan Lyon will be an exciting encounter. Matthew Hayden added:
"Isn't it great that the series is shaping up the bare-heavyweight bout, someone like the GOAT going after , what is in my opinion one of the key assets for Indian cricket. Yes he's certainly proving to be that. Young Jaiswal is an exciting prospect to see how he'll play."
"He is a package. His ability in particular to get on the up through the covers is phenomenal. That'll also have its vulnerabilities. I'm looking forward to seeing how he adjusts on bouncy tracks."
Australia lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, but at The Oval they defeated India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia also got triumph against India in the 50-over World Cup final under Pat Cummins. Starting on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia vs India's much-awaited Test series is scheduled.
Published 08:59 IST, August 22nd 2024