The cricket world is abuzz as two giants, India and Australia, face off in the first Test of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The battle kicks off at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday, November 22, with both teams eager to start the series on a high.
This series holds immense significance as it plays a pivotal role in determining the finalists for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025, with both teams occupying the top two positions in the WTC points table.
Here’s everything you need to know about watching this epic clash, match timings, and team news.
How to Watch the Australia vs. India 1st Test?
Live Stream and TV Channel Details
Fans in Australia can catch all the action live on these platforms:
- TV Channels:
- Foxtel: The dedicated cricket channel, Fox Cricket, will broadcast the match live.
- Channel 7: Watch the game live on free-to-air television.
- Live Streaming:
- Kayo: Offers a live stream of the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy. New users can take advantage of Kayo’s FREE trial.
- 7Plus: Stream the game live on the platform.
Match Timings: Australia vs. India 1st Test
The match will start at 10:20 a.m. local time (AWST) at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Below are the match timings across different regions of Australia:
| Region | Date | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) | Fri, Nov 22 | 1:20 p.m. |
| Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT) | Fri, Nov 22 | 12:50 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) | Fri, Nov 22 | 10:20 a.m. |
Australia vs. India: Team News and Predicted XI
Australia: Gunning for a Strong Start
Led by Pat Cummins, Australia will aim to dominate their home turf. The team boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent.
Key Players to Watch
- Steve Smith: Returns to his preferred No. 4 position.
- Marnus Labuschagne: Reliable at No. 3, he’ll anchor the innings.
- Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon: A potent bowling attack capable of challenging any batting lineup.
Notable Inclusions
- Nathan McSweeney: Likely to make his Test debut.
- Josh Inglis: A maiden call-up as a backup wicketkeeper.
Australia Predicted XI
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood.
India: Focus on Redemption
After a shocking home series defeat to New Zealand, India will look to bounce back. However, the team faces challenges with injuries and an unsettled lineup.
Key Players to Watch
- Jasprit Bumrah: Leading the team in Rohit Sharma’s absence, Bumrah’s form with the ball will be crucial.
- Virat Kohli: Despite recent struggles, Kohli’s experience remains vital.
- Rishabh Pant: A game-changer in the middle order.
Injury Concerns
- Shubman Gill: Ruled out with a finger injury.
- Rohit Sharma: Skipping the match for personal reasons.
India Predicted XI
Abhimanyu Easwaran, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is not just a battle for supremacy between India and Australia; it also determines the road to the World Test Championship Final 2025. Both teams are eager to secure their spot, making every run and wicket crucial.
With Australia playing at home and India determined to redeem themselves, this promises to be a closely fought contest.
Whether you’re cheering for Australia’s pace attack or India’s resilience, make sure to catch every moment of this high-stakes Test series.
Watch LIVE
- Kayo Free Trial: Stream all matches without missing a ball.
- Foxtel and Channel 7: Comprehensive TV coverage for cricket enthusiasts.
Priya Joshi does many hats- writer, graphic designer, editor and SEO expert. She has over 6 years of experience in crafting creative yet impactful content for various domains. Writing aside, she finds solace in the world of books, exploring nature’s beauty, binge-watching dramas and engaging in DIY projects.