To preserve their legacy, Australia must not let this Border-Gavaskar series slip from their grasp.

The wait is over, and Pat Cummins likely feels relieved as the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar series finally begins.

Back in August, on a windy day by Sydney Harbour, Australia’s captain faced questions about this Test series, still months away. More recently, just three weeks ago on the MCG outfield, he was asked about the Test team even before the start of an ODI series against Pakistan. For months now, Cummins has been dealing with questions centered almost exclusively on playing India. Australia’s early T20 World Cup exit in June received largely scant attention at home due to its late-night timing. The UK white-ball tour garnered attention only because of Cameron Green’s injury and how it impacts the Test side.

The loss to Pakistan also sparked brief controversy, mainly because five players were rested to prepare for the Tests. Hardly anyone objected when the same players skipped the T20I series, which Australia won 3-0. For the Australian public, beating India at home this summer seems to be the main focus.

It has been 10 years since Australia last won a home series against India. Although they’ve captured titles like the T20 World Cup, World Test Championship (which this series will impact as they aim to defend that title), and an ODI World Cup in that time, Australian fans seem fixated on reversing the recent back-to-back home defeats by India.

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“For about half the team, winning the Border-Gavaskar is still unchecked on the list,” Cummins said Thursday. “Over recent years, we’ve risen to most challenges thrown our way. To do so for another home season would solidify this as more than a two- or three-year period—it could become a defining era. So we’re all excited.”

The anticipation has peaked, with major Australian newspaper back pages even printed in Hindi.

While much of the pre-series attention in Perth has been centered around India—particularly their form and team selection-this is a momentous series for the Australian squad as well. Cummins and his teammates often talk of legacy. They want to be remembered as one of the great Australian teams, but the time is running out. Ten of the starting XI in Perth are over 30. Usman Khawaja turns 38 during the third Test; Nathan Lyon just turned 37; Steven Smith is 35; and Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will turn 35 and 34, respectively, in January. An opener like 25-year-old Nathan McSweeney probably has much to do with his youth.

Another home series defeat to India wouldn’t just impact this team’s legacy; it could mark the end of an era. But Cummins doesn’t feel the added weight of expectation.

“I don’t know if it’s pressure,” Cummins said. “There’s always pressure playing at home, and we expect to perform well here. We know India’s a strong team, and many of us played in those recent series. It’s a big one, but we’re focused on doing well each summer, regardless of the opponent.”

This time, there are no excuses. Australia came into 2018-19 without Smith and David Warner and with internal discontent over coach Justin Langer in 2020-21. This time, the team is settled, while India faces its own scrutiny after a 3-0 home loss to New Zealand. The last time Australia lost three home Tests in a single series, during the 2010-11 Ashes, it led to major changes in management and coaching. Australia has busily prepared in Perth, but they know there is going to be a backlash if they blow it. Public opinion remains sharp, as seen with the reaction to Smith’s opener role and resting players during the ODI loss to Pakistan. Still, this was all part of a bigger plan, and Cummins believes it will pay off over the grueling five-Test series.

“I do think an ODI in Perth 48 hours after playing in Adelaide was a bit high-risk,” Cummins said. “Some may disagree, but I think the benefit of this planning will become clear over time, maybe not immediately, but eventually as we face Tests, then Sri Lanka and beyond.”

After months of hype, Australia’s preparations are finally done and dusted, and with an unsuspecting India to contend with, it’s now or never for Cummins and his boys to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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