As the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar series gets nearer, the cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation of what is widely regarded as one of cricket’s most intense rivalries, India vs Australia. The series, set to commence from November 22, features the current top 2 teams in Test cricket, adding even more excitement.

Australian batter Usman Khawaja has shared his thoughts on the significance of the rivalry.

“We’re the world number one and number two teams really over the last two years. We were there at the last World Test Championship together. The rivalry has always been huge. I take it as a sign of respect, and I know that Indians love beating Australia in any form of cricket,” Khawaja said as per Star Sports.

“The tradition that Australia has had over so many years as being one of the dominating teams in world cricket has staked that reputation,” Khawaja added.

Khawaja also pointed out that the rise of Indian cricket, particularly through the Indian Premier League (IPL), has added another layer to the rivalry.

“More recently, you know, since the rise of India and IPL and everything else that happened, it’s the same way with Australia against India. And particularly since India’s beaten Australia in Australia the last two times…. It just means a little bit more,” Khawaja said.

The first match of the 5-match Test series will be played in Perth while the rest of the 4 matches will be played in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney respectively.