Ponting: The Rivalry Between India and Australia is Unrivaled in Cricket

New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) With record attendance during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy featuring India and Australia, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting emphasized that it's difficult to dispute that this rivalry ranks as the greatest in the realm of cricket.

Traditionally, the England-Australia rivalry has been regarded as the most significant in Test cricket; however, the attendance records for the five-Test series between India and Australia reached 837,879, with 373,691 fans attending at the Melbourne Cricket Ground over five days, eclipsing the previous benchmark of 350,534 set in 1937.

Ponting was taken aback by the turnout and noted that it would be intriguing to observe attendance figures during the Ashes when England visits, to gain further insight into the rivalry from a fan's viewpoint.

“I checked the figures yesterday, and it was around 837,000 people who attended the Test matches, which is unprecedented here in Australia,” Ponting stated in an interview with The ICC Review. “Now that this series has concluded, Australia will host England next summer, and we will have a clearer perspective then. If the numbers don't match, there will be no doubt that the Border-Gavaskar rivalry is indeed larger, particularly from the fans’ standpoint.

“There are two facets to this: what the fans wish to witness and the rivalry they seek to create, along with how the players perceive the rivalry among the three teams now.”

Remarkably, attendance could have been even higher, as early finishes and a rainy match in Brisbane prevented a seven-figure tally. “Perth only lasted four days, Adelaide three days, and Sydney three days. Those figures would have been astronomical had all those Test matches gone the full five days,” he added.

“So, exactly this time next year, we will have a comprehensive understanding of which rivalry is the biggest in world cricket,” Ponting continued.

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes that the recent series has raised the bar for spectator engagement in Test cricket, with the hosts claiming victory (3-1) for the first time in a decade.

“One statistic stands out: 375,000 fans attended the Melbourne Test match, breaking the record set 90 years ago of 350,000. Back in 1936/1937, when the ‘G’ could accommodate 120,000 spectators and Bradman was playing, it highlights the surge in interest in modern times. The standard has been significantly elevated,” he remarked.

Shastri noted that the narratives and excitement surrounding the matches are too compelling to be missed while watching from home, drawing crowds, including many international visitors, to witness history unfold live.

“For fans to attend cricket matches despite the availability of television and OTT platforms, with 375,000 people showing up in Melbourne and replicating that in Sydney with full stadiums, is extraordinary,” Shastri added.

Ponting supported Shastri's perspective. “The fans recognize the caliber of these two cricket teams and want to be present to experience Test Match Cricket at its finest,” he stated. “At this moment, it’s genuinely challenging to argue that this isn’t the most significant rivalry in world cricket. It has evolved year after year, and both Ravi and I have been part of most of these encounters for the past 15 to 20 years. We’ve sensed the growth, and the rivalry has intensified, with fans now deeply engaged as well,” Ponting concluded.

The final element contributing to the success of the Border-Gavaskar series was its competitive nature, with Australia rebounding from a 1-0 deficit to secure a series victory.

India not only sought to level the series to retain the trophy on Day Three in Sydney, but they also aimed for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, only for the hosts to maintain their composure in a chase of 162 when Bumrah was unable to bowl.

Ponting commended Australia’s ability to turn the series around towards the end.

“After losing a Test match (in Perth) against another formidable opposition, you need to reflect and engage in significant discussions,” he said. “It has been a remarkable turnaround, especially since I initially believed Australia would win 3-1, but I thought they would win the early Test matches.

“I anticipated victories in Perth, Brisbane, and likely Adelaide, while thinking they would struggle in Melbourne and Sydney. The conditions generally favor India, yet Australia managed to outplay them in Melbourne and Sydney. It was a commendable turnaround, one that they will be satisfied with.”

Shastri, reflecting on Australia’s success, praised captain Pat Cummins. “He continues to astonish me. Even during my coaching tenure, I admired his determination and competitive spirit. He never backs down and consistently approaches the game with vigor,” said the former Indian coach.

“And in critical moments throughout the series, he stepped up, contributing not only with the ball but also with the bat.”