I expect the game to be played sort of almost on the edge – Ricky Ponting on Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The world is getting ready to witness two Test powerhouses going up against each other as India is all set to rock and roll Down Under with Australia primed for another key battle. The series will feature five Tests which can very well be the deciding factor of the two finalists in the latest edition of the World Test Championship.

Talking to ICC Review, former Australian captain, Ricky Ponting said that the rivalry between Australia and India has now attained cult status and is mighty close in terms of popularity to the iconic Ashes. Ponting also urged both the captains to maintain a competitive spirit and yet go all out for glory on the battlefield.

Shedding light about the rivalry, Ponting said, “Australia-England, with the history of the Ashes, but Australia-India is not far behind that and it's built up over a long period. I think we all look forward to these sorts of battles. As a past player, as a commentator, I want to see these two teams go out there and play hard and fair and then see who is left standing at the end of the next five games.”

He also underlined the excitement that follows suit, stating, “I don't know if spice is the right word, but I expect the game to be played sort of almost on the edge, if you like, with two of the best teams in the world not wanting to give an inch to each other. Not wanting to give an inch to the opposition, not wanting to lose a single contest through the course of those whole five Test matches.”

Punter concluded by talking about the intensity of the rivalry, adding, “That's the beauty of these great rivalries in world sport. Australia-India in a Test match now is as big a rivalry as there is in world sport, not just cricket.”