Australia states Border-Gavaskar is ‘bigger than the Ashes’

Australia captain Pat Cummins and the squad exclaims that the upcoming Tour of India is 'era-defining' and 'bigger than the Ashes'.

Less than 48 hours away from the first test between Australia and India, Pat Cummins believes a series win in India could be the biggest achievement he has ever accomplished. According to fellow teammates and leaders in the Australian camp David Warner and Steve Smith, a victory in India against India is 'bigger than winning the Ashes'.

The two countries will go head-to-head in Nagpur this Thursday, kicking off a four-match test series. The first match will provide a good indication of whether Australia has prepared for the challenge of spinning wickets and different conditions.

Ahead of the clash, four Australian squad members- David Warner, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins- spoke exclusively to cricket.com.au regarding the upcoming test.

"I'm looking forward to the tour, it's always a hard graft. One thing that I'm looking forward to is applying myself against the best spinners in the world," Warner said.

"Being a part of the last Ashes was fantastic but to go to India and beat India in India is the toughest challenge in Test cricket for us."

Smith continued the idolisation that a winning series would be big for the entire Australian squad.

"It is a difficult place to win a Test match let alone a series. So if we are able to do that, it would be huge. I think if you win in India, it is bigger than an Ashes series," Smith said.

Having not yet recovered from a finger injury, Mitchell Starc will miss the first test. Despite missing it, he is ready to make an impact when he returns whether that be on the second, third or fourth test.

"Winning a series in India will be really special for our group," Starc said.

"I think it has always been a crown jewel for Australian touring teams. It's one of, if not the hardest place to play away."

Mirroring his teammate's words, captain Pat Cummins ushered the words 'era-defining' if they are capable to walk away with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

"Winning a series in India is like an Ashes away series but even more rare. It will be a career highlight, an era-defining series if we win out there," Cummins said.