Border-Gavaskar Trophy or Ashes which has produced more blockbuster results in modern day cricket? Let’s deep dive into both events and understand.
In the world of Test cricket, two contests stand above all others: the Ashes and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Both series have captivated cricket fans, but since 2000-01, the BGT has arguably surpassed the Ashes in terms of delivering unforgettable moments and blockbuster cricket.
While the Ashes holds a rich history, having first been contested in 1882, the BGT has blossomed into one of the most exciting rivalries in modern cricket. From iconic matches to individual brilliance, here’s a comparative look at how these two contests have fared over the last two decades.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: A modern powerhouse
The BGT has seen some of the fiercest battles in cricket, with India and Australia exchanging blows in high-stakes series that often hang in the balance until the final moments. Since 2000-01, this rivalry has evolved into a marquee event, and several series stand out as absolute blockbusters.
2000-01: India’s epic comeback
In one of the greatest Test series ever, India overturned a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 against a dominant Australian side led by Steve Waugh. The Kolkata Test, where India followed on and yet won, thanks to VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid’s heroic partnership, became legendary. Harbhajan Singh’s hat-trick cemented this series as unforgettable.
2003-04: Australia holds India to a draw
The 2003-04 series in Australia saw India stand toe-to-toe with the mighty Aussies in their backyard. Sachin Tendulkar’s double century at the SCG and Rahul Dravid’s match-winning 233 in Adelaide helped India earn a historic 1-1 draw, shattering Australia’s home dominance.
Read More: BGT 2024-25, AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli in Australia – Peak excellence with 1352 runs in 13 Tests
2007-08: Controversy and thrills Down Under
The 2007-08 BGT in Australia was marred by the infamous “Monkeygate” scandal, but the cricket was enthralling. Australia won the series 2-1, but India’s victory in Perth, a traditional fortress for the Aussies, showcased their resilience and fighting spirit.
2016-17: India’s home turf drama
In 2017, India won 2-1 in a highly competitive series at home. Steve Smith’s 499 runs and Virat Kohli’s intensity elevated the series to new heights. The decider in Dharamsala was a nail-biter, with India securing victory despite injuries to key players.
2018-19: India’s historic triumph in Australia
India achieved what no Asian team had done before—a series win in Australia. Virat Kohli’s men defeated a depleted Australia side 2-1, with Cheteshwar Pujara’s grit and Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling earning India a spot in the history books.
2020-21: India’s Gabba glory
Perhaps the pinnacle of the BGT came in 2020–21. Ravaged by injuries and the absence of key players like Virat Kohli, India, who were left with only 11 players without the likes of well-known stars KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ishant Sharma, produced a stunning series win. The final victory at the Gabba, where Australia hadn’t lost in 32 years, was built on the courage of young stars like Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill and India’s old-school spartan Cheteshwar Pujara.
Read More: India in BGT 2020-21: From the ‘ashes’ in Adelaide to knocking out the ‘urn’ at the Gabba
Above discussed Border Gavaskar Trophy record
| S . No. | Season | Margin | Winner | Host |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-01 | 2-1 (3) | India | India |
| 2 | 2003-04 | 1-1 (4) | Drawn | Australia |
| 3 | 2007-08 | 2-1 (4) | Australia | Australia |
| 4 | 2016-17 | 2-1 (4) | India | India |
| 5 | 2018-19 | 2-1 (4) | India | Australia |
| 6 | 2020-21 | 2-1 (4) | India | Australia |
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The Ashes: A storied contest
The Ashes has been a historic rivalry between England and Australia, delivering many iconic moments. However, in the last two decades, it has seen fewer blockbuster events compared to the BGT.
2005: England’s revival
The 2005 Ashes is widely regarded as one of the greatest Test series of all time. England, under Michael Vaughan, reclaimed the urn after 18 years, winning 2-1. Matches were decided by razor-thin margins, with Andrew Flintoff’s heroics and Shane Warne’s wizardry making this series legendary.
2010-11: England’s dominance Down Under
England’s 3-1 victory in Australia in 2010-11 was one of their most comprehensive series wins, where Alastair Cook’s run-scoring feats and James Anderson’s bowling were unmatched. The 2010-11 series, however, lacked the drama and intensity that other Ashes contests had brought.
2019: Stokes’ magic and a drawn series
The 2019 Ashes had its blockbuster moments, particularly Ben Stokes’ miraculous innings at Headingley, where he single-handedly won the game for England. Yet, the series ended 2-2, with Australia retaining the urn. The series also saw a fierce battle between Steve Smith and England’s pacer, Jofra Archer.
Read More: Test XI of 2022: ‘Bazball’ exponent Ben Stokes leads pace-heavy eleven
2023: The Bazball effect
The most recent Ashes series in 2023, marked by England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach, saw the series drawn 2-2, with Australia retaining the urn once again. It was an entertaining series but lacked the dramatic swings seen in the previous Ashes editions.
Above discussed Ashes Series record
| S. No. | Season | Result | Winner | Host |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005 | 2-1 (5) | England | England |
| 2 | 2010-11 | 3-1 (5) | England | Australia |
| 3 | 2019 | 2-2 (5) | Draw | England |
| 4 | 2023 | 2-2 (5) | Draw | England |
Why Border Gavaskar Trophy is the bigger draw today
While the Ashes remains a prestigious event, the BGT has grown in stature, providing more consistent thrills and iconic moments since 2000-01.
Several factors contribute to this shift:
Balanced Competition: Unlike the Ashes, which has seen Australia dominate for long stretches, the BGT has been much more competitive. Both India and Australia have enjoyed periods of dominance, ensuring that no series is foregone.
High-Intensity Cricket: The BGT has produced matches where stakes are often higher and emotions run hotter, leading to epic comebacks, close finishes, and controversy. The Ashes, while steeped in tradition, has seen more one-sided affairs in recent years.
Global Appeal: With India’s vast cricket fan base, the BGT attracts enormous global attention, particularly with the rise of social media. The Ashes, though still significant, has a more regional following.
Conclusion
While the Ashes will always hold a special place in cricket’s heart due to its history and tradition, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has become a more captivating series in modern times. Since 2000-01, it has delivered more blockbuster moments, competitive series, and intense rivalries. For cricket fans today, BGT is the contest that truly gets the adrenaline flowing, making it the bigger draw of the two.
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