Pakistan Coach labels Australia favorites for Border Gavaskar Trophy

Former Australian star turned Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie was asked to name his favorite team for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The former pace bowler named Australia as the favorite for the title.

While speaking to Fox Sports, the Pakistan Test coach said, “I will be backing them and I am sure they can do the job. They are the best bowlers in the country. Their records speak for themselves. This quartet, including Nathan Lyon, is the best bowling attack that Australia can put out in the park.”

Jason Gillespie also said, “They are red-hot and they are playing some good Test cricket for a while now. Even though they have beaten Australia in recent times. I think Australia has a chance to beat India this time round.”

Former Aussie star Jason Gillispie wades into opening debate 

Since the retirement of David Warner, Australia have seen Steve Smith open the batting. According to latest reports, Steve Smith is set to bat at Number 4 while Travis head will open the batting. 

The Pakistani Test coach said, “Players like David Warner are pretty tough to replace. I didn’t mind the idea of Steve Smith going up in the order. I have a feeling that he might have slot back in the middle order to bat at 4.”

Meanwhile, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne was in conversation with Star Sports. The right-handed batter was asked to speak about his battles with Indian pacer star Mohammed Siraj.

Replying to his the Aussie star said, "I enjoy battles with Mohamed Siraj for many reasons. We actually were at the academy in 2015-16, and he was working with the MRF Academy and we played against each other. So that's when I first met him and to see his career go in that direction.”

Labuschagne also added, “He's got great passion, great energy, and great love for the game. It's been nice to see our careers moving together from such different experiences."

Perth will host the first Test with the second Test in Adelaide set to be a day and night game. The last time India played at the venue they were bowled out for 36 which is their lowest score in Test cricket. The series will then move to Brisbane followed by matches in Melbourne and Sydney.