Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne has shared his admiration for Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The five-match Test series, set to start in November 2024, will see both players playing pivotal roles for their teams as India visit Australia.
Labuschagne reflected on his long-standing connection with Siraj, recalling their time together at the MRF Academy in 2015-16. “I enjoy battles with Mohammed Siraj,” Labuschagne said in an interview with Star Sports. “We first met when he was working with the MRF pace academy, and it’s been great to see how our careers have progressed together since then.”
Labuschagne praised Siraj for his passion and energy on the field, highlighting how much he has grown as a cricketer. “He brings great energy and love for the game. It’s exciting to watch him develop,” Labuschagne added. Siraj, who has played 27 Tests and taken 74 wickets for India, is expected to be a key player for India in the upcoming series. He will first be seen in action during India’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.
As both players prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, hinted that the team may retain their top six batters from the previous season, including Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, and Steve Smith. While there has been some debate about Smith’s position as an opener, his spot in the team alongside Green, Head, and Mitchell Marsh appears secure.
India have maintained dominance over Australia in Test cricket for nearly a decade, remaining unbeaten in Test series against the current ICC World Test Champions since the 2014-15 season, when they lost 0-2. Since that defeat, India has won four consecutive series: at home in 2016-17, and away in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Most recently, they secured another home victory in 2022-23. Notably, all these series wins have come by a margin of 2-1.
Following the Bangladesh series, India will face New Zealand before embarking on their five-Test Border-Gavaskar series in Australia. With all 10 matches part of the World Test Championship, India’s performance will be crucial in securing their spot in the WTC final next year.
