With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at stake we take a look at the tourists who could play a major hand in the series, from Rishabh Pant to Akash Deep

The simmering rivalry between India and Australia has bubbled away over the past decade as the pair challenge for titles in all formats while they have been, for the most part, the two leading Test teams. The familiar foes have had the best winning percentages in red-ball matches across that period and again top the World Test Championship standings after clashing in the final last year, when Australia capped off a cycle of renewal and rediscovered stability with a resounding 209-run victory at the Oval.

While India are yet to taste success in a WTC decider, having also lost the inaugural final to New Zealand in 2021, they have had a firm grip on the silverware that arguably matters more – the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India have won the past four Test series against Australia – twice as hosts and as many times when playing away – since last handing over the trophy almost 10 years ago.