Michael Vaughan has given his verdict on the 'Border-Gavaskar Trophy vs Ashes' debate right ahead of the Perth Test between India and Australia which is set to start from November 22. The intense cricket rivalry between India and Australia has led some to question whether it has surpassed the iconic Ashes rivalry between England and Australia. Recent fiery Test matches have fueled this debate, with some fans and experts labeling the India-Australia encounters as the 'greatest rivalry' in world cricket.
However, former England captain Michael Vaughan has dismissed these claims. He emphasised the deep-rooted history and heritage of the Ashes, which has been played for nearly 150 years and holds a special place in the cricketing cultures of both England and Australia. Vaughan asserted that no other rivalry can match the intensity and historical significance of the Ashes.
Michael Vaughan has drawn parallels between the current India-Australia rivalry and the intense cricket played between West Indies and other teams in the 1980s. While he acknowledges the fierce competition between India and Australia, he maintains that the historical significance and cultural depth of the Ashes rivalry remain unmatched.
Michael Vaughan plays down buzz around Border-Gavaskar Trophy, reveals cricket's greatest rivalry
Vaughan emphasised that the Ashes, with its nearly 150-year history, holds a unique place in the hearts of cricket fans in England and Australia. He praised the exciting cricket produced by India and Australia in recent years but cautioned against labeling their rivalry as the "greatest" until it has stood the test of time, like the Ashes.
“There has been some talk out here and in India that this is now cricket’s greatest rivalry. I disagree. Nothing comes close to the Ashes for history and heritage. Across almost 150 years, the rivalry and hostility between England and Australia run so deep,” Michael Vaughan was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
“It is the best series of this era, just as we used to look at West Indies playing in Australia or England as the best of the 1980s. We do not talk about those series now, because the West Indies have faded. If Australia and India put together another generation or two of competition like this, perhaps we can have the 'greatest rivalry' conversation. For now, give me a break," he added.
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Vaughan acknowledged that India and Australia have consistently produced the most exciting Test series in recent times. While he praised the thrilling Ashes contests played in England, he noted that the series has been more one-sided in Australia. Vaughan highlighted India's dominance over Australia in recent years, with India winning the last four Test series 2-1. This consistent rivalry, even with India's recent success, demonstrates the high level of competition between the two cricketing powerhouses.
“What I will concede is that, in this generation, Australia and India have been the best two teams and have consistently provided the most entertaining series. The Ashes have been thrilling in England but one-sided Down Under. India has won the past four series (all of which have been four matches) 2-1, which shows that competition has been decent in both countries, even if India has the edge,” the former England captain concluded.
