Towards challenging the Ashes, record number of spectators created history

The recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia not only created excitement on the field but also created new records in the world of cricket with a historic number of spectators. During this, former Team India coach Ravi Shastri and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting expressed the possibility of this trophy emerging as a bigger rivalry than the Ashes.

Ashes vs Border-Gavaskar Trophy: The rise of a new rivalry

The Ashes series, which has been played between England and Australia for centuries, is now facing tough competition from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

• record number:
  • This series of five test matches was watched by 8,37,000 spectators in the stadium.
  • The Boxing Day Test played in Melbourne was attended by 3,75,000 spectators, breaking a 90-year-old record.

Ravi Shastri said:
“When millions of spectators come to the stadium despite television, OTT platforms and other facilities, it shows the popularity of cricket and the importance of this series.”

Australia’s dominance in the series

India’s dominance over the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the last decade ended this time.

• Result:
  • Australia won the series 3-1.
  • However, the enthusiasm and support of the audience during the series was remarkable.

Impact of the record:

• Melbourne Test broke 90 year old record.
  • The previous record was when Don Bradman was playing on the field.

Ricky Ponting’s reaction

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also emphasized on the growing popularity of this series.

• He said:
  “The figure of 8,37,000 people is unbelievable. “Had rain in Brisbane, or the Perth and Sydney Tests not ended prematurely, this number could have been even higher.”
• Ashes vs BGT:
  • It will be seen on Australia’s next tour of England which series attracts more spectators.
  • If the numbers are not the same, then it would not be difficult to say that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has become bigger than the Ashes.

What makes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy special?

1. Audience Participation:
   • After a long time, such audience participation was seen in Test cricket.
2. Quality of both teams:
   • The teams of India and Australia are considered to be the two best Test teams of the present time.
3. Fans’ excitement:
   • The passion and dedication of the fans of both the countries towards the game is making it the biggest rivalry.

What do the figures say?

• Melbourne Test: 3,75,000 spectators.
• Total series: 8,37,000 viewers.
• Brisbane, Perth, Sydney: Despite rain and early ended matches, a large number of fans tried to be a part of the matches.

Ponting said:
“Fans are realizing how great these two teams are. They want to see Test cricket at its best and want to be a part of it.”

Can the Border-Gavaskar Trophy overtake the Ashes?

Both Shastri and Ponting believe that the growing popularity of BGT could make it the biggest rivalry in Test cricket.

• Shastri’s statement:
  “This rivalry is extraordinary in the modern era.”
• Ponting’s support:
  “At the moment, it is difficult to argue that it is not the biggest rivalry in world cricket.”