The Ashes series between England and Australia has long been regarded as Test cricket’s most intense and storied rivalry, marked by a rich history, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. However, according to legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting, a new rivalry is emerging that could soon rival the Ashes in intensity: the India-Australia contest.
Ponting, a key figure in many Ashes battles, believes that the India-Australia rivalry has not only surpassed South Africa as Australia’s second most challenging Test competition but is also closing in on the significance of the Ashes. With India proving their dominance on home soil and increasingly in Australia, the rivalry has grown in both quality and intensity.
India’s recent success on Australian soil, where they have won the last two Test series, has added to the growing rivalry. Ponting, reflecting on his own experiences, noted that the competitive edge between the two teams began to sharpen towards the end of his career. He pointed out that India has transformed into a team that not only challenges Australia but also sets out to dominate, whether at home or away.
“I think I was a part of it when that (India-Australia rivalry) really started to grow, when the rivalry really started to grow, was right at the back end of my career,” Ponting shared with the ICC. He highlighted how India, under new leadership and with a new generation of players, began to assert themselves as formidable opponents capable of defeating Australia on any ground.
Ponting, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, expressed his excitement for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a five-match Test series that will see India touring Australia later this year. He believes that the series will be a thrilling contest, further fueling the ever-growing rivalry between the two cricketing giants.
As the cricket world eagerly anticipates this clash, the India-Australia rivalry continues to build its own legacy, with the potential to rival even the Ashes in terms of significance and intensity.
