India-Australia rivalry comparable with Ashes, says Ricky Ponting as he expects intense series

Ricky Ponting compares Australia-India rivalry to Ashes, anticipates intense Border-Gavaskar Trophy series starting in Perth on November 22.

Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has compared the Australia-India rivalry to that of the Ashes, stating that these battles are among the most anticipated in world cricket.

The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be played at Perth’s Optus Stadium from November 22 onwards.

The former Australian skipper has urged both teams to maintain a competitive but fair spirit throughout the series. “Australia-England, with the history of the Ashes, but Australia-India is not far behind that and it’s built up over a long period. I think we all look forward to these sorts of battles.

“As a past player, as a commentator, I want to see these two teams go out there and play hard and fair and then see who is left standing at the end of the next five games,” Ponting said during a recent episode of the ICC Review.

Speaking about the intensity and banter expected during the series, Ponting said he anticipates the matches to be played on the edge.

“I don’t know if spice is the right word, but I expect the game to be played sort of almost on the edge, if you like, with two of the best teams in the world not wanting to give an inch to each other.”

“Not wanting to give an inch to the opposition, not wanting to lose a single contest through the course of those whole five Test matches,” the World Cup-winning captain said.