Better Than Ashes, India-Pakistan? Ricky Ponting’s Huge Claim

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia set a new benchmark with record-breaking attendance, drawing an impressive 8,37,879 spectators. Traditionally, the England-Australia rivalry has been regarded as the pinnacle of Test cricket. However, the India-Australia series saw a record 3,73,691 fans attend matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground over five days, surpassing the previous record of 3,50,534 set in 1937.

Ponting, amazed by the attendance figures, suggested comparing them with the Ashes turnout when England visits Australia. This could provide valuable insight into the rivalry from a fan’s perspective.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Rivalry Redefined with Record Attendance

“I checked the numbers yesterday—around 837,000 people attended the Test matches, which is unprecedented in Australia,” Ponting said on The ICC Review. He added, “With England touring next summer, we’ll get a clearer picture. If the numbers don’t match, it will undoubtedly prove that the (Border-Gavaskar) rivalry is bigger, at least from the fans’ perspective.”

Ponting also highlighted two key aspects: what fans perceive as the most compelling rivalry and how the players view the dynamics between the three teams.

Interestingly, the attendance could have been even higher. Early match finishes and rain in Brisbane prevented the series from reaching a seven-figure milestone.

4o mini“Perth only lasted four days, Adelaide and Sydney just three. If all the matches had gone five days, the numbers would have been astronomical,” Ponting added.

Ponting remarked that by this time next year, the rivalry between cricketing giants would be clearer.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri highlighted the spectators’ impact on elevating the standard of Test cricket during the recently concluded series, which India won 3-1 for the first time in a decade.

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One statistic stands out: 3,75,000 fans attended the Melbourne Test, breaking a 90-year-old record of 3,50,000 from 1936/37. Back then, the ‘G’ could hold 120,000 spectators, and Bradman was playing. It reflects the renewed interest in the modern era. The bar has been raised significantly,” Shastri stated.

He emphasized that the compelling narratives and storylines have drawn fans to stadiums, many traveling from overseas, despite the convenience of watching at home on television or OTT platforms.

The Border-Gavaskar series delivered high drama, with Australia bouncing back from 1-0 down to win the series. Despite India’s hopes of leveling in Sydney and securing a WTC Final spot, Australia held their nerve in a tense chase.

Ponting lauded Australia’s turnaround, highlighting their ability to outplay India in unexpected conditions. Shastri commended Pat Cummins for his relentless determination and impactful performances with both bat and ball, calling him a leader who thrives under pressure.

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