Mon Nov 11 00:04:34 UTC 2024: ## Australia Favored to Win Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Predicts Ponting

**Dubai, Nov 07, 2024:** Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has predicted a 3-1 series win for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, citing the absence of India’s star fast bowler Mohammed Shami as a key factor.

Ponting believes India will struggle to secure the 20 wickets needed to win matches without Shami, who has been sidelined due to injury since November 2023. He also noted that the Indian team is currently in poor form, having suffered a humiliating 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand in the recent home series.

“This is Australia’s chance, if not now, then when?,” Ponting said, highlighting the opportunity for Australia to claim victory after losing the last two series in Australia to India in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

India will rely on Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akashdeep, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana in the absence of Shami. However, Ponting believes only Bumrah poses a significant threat to the Australian batting lineup.

The Australian team, buoyed by India’s recent struggles, is confident in its ability to dominate the series, making it a potential turning point in the rivalry. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to be a highly anticipated clash, with both sides seeking to establish their dominance in the world of Test cricket.

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