Australian pacer Mitchell Starc believes that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test series against India is now on par with the Ashes versus England. The comment from the 34-year-old came after the upcoming edition of the BGT series between Australia and India, set to begin this November, got extended to five Test matches in nearly 33 years.
Notably, in the past few years, Australia have been able to assert their dominance over England in Test cricket, winning two of the last four Ashes series 4-0, while drawing the other two with a 2-2 margin in away conditions. But, at the same time, they have lost four consecutive BGT Test series versus India 1-2, twice at home and twice in away conditions.
While speaking to the Wide World of Sports, Mitchell Starc was quoted as saying about the BGT Test series, “Being five matches now it’s probably right on par with an Ashes series.”
India are a very strong team: Mitchell Starc
In regards to the upcoming BGT Test series against India in their summer, he said, “We always want to win every game at home and we know India are a very strong team. As we’re placed at the minute we’re the top two teams on the Test ladder… so a very exciting series coming up for the fans and certainly the players.”
After three of his bowling partners in the, namely Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and captain Pat Cummins, talked about the importance of beating India in the upcoming BGT, Mitchell Starc agreed with them. He remarked, “Hopefully when we’re sitting there on the 8th of January we have that trophy back on our shores.”
Moreover, Mitchell Starc is a part of the Australian squad for the limited overs tour to England in September, following which he will focus on preparing for the Test series at home against India.