• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Gabba Was Very Special Shane Watson Expects Big Show From Pant Bumrah In Bgt 2024 25

'Gabba Was Very Special,' Shane Watson Expects Big Show From Pant, Bumrah In BGT 2024-25

Watson banks on Bumrah and Pant for Australia series (@Rishabhians17/X.com)Watson banks on Bumrah and Pant for Australia series (@Rishabhians17/X.com)

Former Australian great Shane Watson has expressed high expectations for Rishabh Pant in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins in November, 2024. Watson believes Pant could be a key player for India, especially after his recent return to Test cricket where he impressed during the Test series against Bangladesh. 

Rishabh Pant had a dramatic and inspiring return to Test cricket after an 18-month hiatus. He scored a century against Bangladesh in the Chennai Test to announce his comeback to red-ball format in style.

The next big challenge awaiting Pant is the Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which is scheduled to begin in November of this year. Rishabh Pant will be India’s first-choice wicket-keeper and former Australia cricketer Shane Watson has already set high expectations.

Shane Watson Issues Pant, Bumrah Threat For Australia 

During the International Masters League launch in Mumbai, Shane Watson recalled Rishabh Pant’s heroics during the famous 2020-21 series in Australia, particularly his iconic innings at the Gabba, which helped India secure a historic win. Given his previous performances, Watson thinks Pant will have fond memories of Australia and that his time away from the game has only made him a better player.

"He's [Pant] obviously got great memories from his last tour that he had from a batting perspective in Australia. Innings he played at the Gabba was something very special. So knowing that he's come through his challenges in the last couple of years to be able to come back as an even better player than what he left off, I think he's going to have a big series," Watson said.

In addition to Pant, Watson also highlighted Jasprit Bumrah as another key player for India. Bumrah, arguably the finest all-format bowler in world cricket, has a strong record in Australia, with 32 wickets from seven matches. Hence, Watson believes that if Pant and Bumrah perform at their best, they could pose significant challenges for Australia.

"Also, Bumrah is someone who in Australian conditions - well, in all conditions really - he's so good. [With] his ability to be able to just take wickets and get batters out, he's going to be very effective in Australia as well. So those two guys, if they have big series, they can really provide Australia some big challenges," he added.

India to play intra-squad practice game ahead of BGT

To prepare for the five-game Test series against Australia, team India, led by Rohit Sharma, is expected to depart for Australia immediately after the conclusion of the home series against New Zealand.

The early departure will allow the team enough time to practise and participate in an intra-squad game with India A. The BCCI is looking for a four-day game window to organise this contest before the Perth Test goes on floor from November 22.