India and Australia will resume their blockbuster rivalry and square off in a five-match Test series starting November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The venue has only hosted one match between the two teams. Australia won that Test. But India bounced back strongly to register their first Test series win Down Under.
A day before the start of the series, Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the India-Australia matches, unveiled a star-studded commentary panel for the series. The commentary panel includes Pakistan legend Wasim Akram.
The former Pakistan pacer spends few months in Australia every year and will be covering the series from the ground. Akram is a veteran commentator and has travelled across the globe to cover matches. Apart from doing commentary in ICC events, Akram has also done commentary in India's bilateral series.
Ravi Shastri is one of the biggest names in the commentary panel along with Sunil Gavaskar. Ravi is the only coach to propel India to a series win Down Under. In 2018/19, Ravi Shastri-coached India created history by winning their first series in Australia.
The visiting team emulated its heroics in the 2020/21 series. Virat only played one game in the series while many seniors were ruled out as the series progressed. Ajinkya Rahane led India to a famous series win.
🎙 The STARCAST line-up you've been waiting for! 🤩With legendary icons from 🇮🇳 & 🇦🇺 on the panel, the #ToughestRivalry is heating up – on & off the field! 🔥📺 1 day to go for #AUSvINDonStar 👉 1st Test starts on FRI, 22 NOV, 7 AM, on Star Sports 1! #BorderGavaskarTrophypic.twitter.com/2MLo7LfEOO
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 21, 2024
Cheteshwar Pujara will make his commentary debut in the series. The out-of-favour India batsman was the star performer in the past two series wins Down Under. He lost his place in Team India in 2023 and has been out since then.
India have been banking on Shubman Gill at the number 3 spot since Pujara's dropping. Shubman, who is a legend in the making, is likely to miss the first Test due to a thumb injury. He will return for the second Test match, scheduled to kick off on December 6.