The highly anticipated India vs. Australia Test series is set to take place later this year, with both teams vying for the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Former Australian fast bowler Geoff Lawson has made bold claims, suggesting that the trophy has been merely "loaned" to India for the past decade and that it's time for it to return to Australia.
Lawson also shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli, calling him a "faux villain" and predicting a mixed reception for the Indian star in Australia.
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What did Geoff Lawson boldly claim?
Geoff Lawson, who played 46 Tests and 79 ODIs for Australia between 1980 and 1989, believes that Australia has a strong chance of reclaiming the trophy.
"Pat Cummins may smile a lot but his competitiveness is ingrained and powerful. Having hinted at a never faltering mindset, some Australian players have been quoted as having unfinished business. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been loaned to the BCCI for a decade, it's time to get it back on the trophy shelves in Jolimont (Cricket Australia's headquarters in Victoria)," said Lawson.
Is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy coming back to Australia?
Despite Australia's superior overall Test record against India, the recent Border-Gavaskar series have been closely contested. The trophy has been with India since 2017, and Australia has not won a home series against India in nearly a decade.
"Australia may hold the World Test Championship, but without a home series win against India, the crown sits unsteadily," Lawson added.
What did Geoff Lawson say on Virat Kohli?
Geoff Lawson believes that Virat Kohli will be a "faux villain" during the upcoming series. Despite not being the captain anymore, Kohli's passion for the game and his competitive nature are expected to shine through.
Lawson pointed out that while Kohli might engage in some verbal exchanges with the Australian players and crowd, he is still one of the most respected cricketers in the world.
"Aussie crowds love a competitor like Kohli. They may give him some grief if he plays the antagonist, but you can guarantee that if he makes 50s and 100s, he will be loudly applauded by the fans." Lawson added.
India has won the last three Border-Gavaskar series. This includes two consecutive series wins in Australia. This time, Rohit Sharma has taken over the captaincy. India will be looking for a historic hat-trick of series wins in Australia, while the Aussies will be determined to bring the trophy back home.
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