As India prepares for their five-match Test series in Australia, starting November 22, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden believes the hosts have the upper hand this time around. In a video shared on his 53rd birthday, October 29, Hayden expressed confidence that Pat Cummins’ side would clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Reflecting on the previous edition, Hayden acknowledged India's remarkable victory at The Gabba in 2021. Despite losing the first Test by 9 wickets, India bounced back to win the series 2-1, driven by the performances of youngsters like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Washington Sundar.

Speaking about the upcoming series, Hayden stated, "I say Australia is going to win, but I'll also say this: Watch Team India go!" His comments were filled with excitement for the rivalry, but he also hinted that the Australian summer might not offer the same home advantage as it once did.

"I feel like there's less home advantage given the nature of the drop-in wickets than what had been previously there. There are three drop-in venues -- Perth, Adelaide, and the MCG (Melbourne)," Hayden explained, referring to the pitches used in some of the key venues. "So you've got your two home venues in Brisbane and Sydney; those just happen to be the third and fifth Test match, which is a very different combination to any series that's been played there. I feel like at the moment there is probably not that much home advantage in the Australian summer anymore due to the wicket conditions."

With India and Australia occupying the top two spots in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings, the series promises to be a thrilling battle for supremacy in Test cricket.