India are all set to take on Australia in the first Test of the five-match series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22 (Friday). The top two sides in the World Test Championship 2023-25 rankings will take on each other, as they aim to solidify their place in the final of the WTC 2025. In the first Test, it will be the clash of the two fast bowling captains, with Pat Cummins leading Australia, while Jasprit Bumrah is leading India, in the absence of Rohit Sharma. They will create history as the first Test begins on Friday.
Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins Create History
Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins will create history as they will become the first pair of fast bowling captains in an India vs Australia Test match in Australia. Kapil Dev was the last Indian fast bowler to captain the team in a Test series in Australia way back in 1985-86. On the other hand, no fast bowler has captained Australia against India in a Test match in Australia.
This is also the first time that a pair of fast bowlers are captaining India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well. Pat Cummins could have captained Australia in the latest edition of the series in March 2023 in India. But he was ruled out of the tour due to an injury, and Steve Smith captained in his absence.
Why Jasprit Bumrah Is Captaining Team India In 1st Test
Rohit Sharma has not yet travelled to Australia with the Indian Team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as he is back home in India to spend time with his family after the birth of his baby boy. He is now confirmed to miss the 1st Test.
Jasprit Bumrah is the designated vice-captain of the India side for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Hence, he will be the captain in the first Test in Rohit Sharma's absence.