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The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is set to kick off at Perth’s iconic Optus Stadium on November 22.

Known for its lively pitches that offer significant pace, bounce, and carry, the series opener will test the mettle of batters. Perth’s conditions are a paradise for fast bowlers, ensuring that the pacers from both India and Australia will play pivotal roles.

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With Mohammed Shami unavailable for the first Test, India’s relatively inexperienced pace unit faces a daunting challenge against Australia’s seasoned attack on their home turf.

Let’s dive into the stats of the pacers from both teams to see who holds the upper hand.

How does India's pace battery stack up?

India’s pace attack is a mix of proven performers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, alongside fresh faces such as Akash Deep.

PlayerRecord vs Australia2024 Form
Jasprit Bumrah7 matches, 45 wickets at 21.259 matches, 41 wickets at 16.46
Mohammed Siraj7 matches, 19 wickets at 33.949 matches, 19 wickets at 30.31
Akash DeepNA 5 matches, 10 wickets at 25.80

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  • Jasprit Bumrah: The leader of India’s pace unit, Bumrah’s ability to generate steep bounce and nail pinpoint yorkers makes him a formidable threat on Perth’s lively track. 
  • Mohammed Siraj: Siraj has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly during India’s historic series win in 2020-21. However, his recent form has been inconsistent, and he will need to step up to complement Bumrah.
  • Akash Deep: The pacer brings aggression but lacks experience at the international level. His ability to adapt quickly could be crucial for India.

Does Australia's experience give them an edge?

Australia’s pace attack boasts a deadly combination of skill, experience, and familiarity with home conditions. Led by captain Pat Cummins, the trio of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc is supported by the spinner Nathan Lyon.

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PlayerRecord vs India2024 Form
Pat Cummins13 matches, 50 wickets at 26.185 matches, 17 wickets at 25.64
Josh Hazlewood15 matches, 51 wickets at 26.945 matches, 29 wickets at 13.68
Mitchell Starc18 matches, 48 wickets at 38.545 matches, 15 wickets at 32.25
Scott BolandCareer in Australia: 6 matches, 28 wickets at 12.21-
  • Pat Cummins: Known for his ability to deliver with unwavering accuracy, Cummins is a nightmare for batters, especially on Perth’s pace-friendly pitch. His consistent performances make him the backbone of Australia’s attack.
  • Josh Hazlewood: The epitome of line and length, Hazlewood has been in sensational form in 2024, with an astonishing average of 13.68. His ability to control the run flow while taking wickets makes him lethal.
  • Mitchell Starc: Starc’s left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball are assets, though his record against India isn’t as dominant. 

India or Australia: Which team has the better pace attack?

While Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance stands out individually, Australia’s pace unit, with its wealth of experience and dominance in home conditions, edges ahead collectively. Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc make for a formidable trio that will be tough to counter.

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India’s young guns definitely have the ability and talent to punch above their weight. The contest between these two pace arsenals will set the tone for the series, and India’s ability to match Australia’s firepower will be crucial in the Perth Test.

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Saurav Goyal Photo

Saurav Goyal is a content producer for The Sporting News’ India edition.