"One of those two is going to make a lot of runs" - Glenn Maxwell excited for Steve Smith vs Virat Kohli showdown in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Veteran Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has expressed his excitement at the prospect of Steve Smith and Virat Kohli going head-to-head in the upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Victorian expects at least one of the two batting stalwarts to score heavily throughout the series.

India and Australia will battle over five Tests for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, beginning on November 22. With both sides possessing world-class bowling attacks, the two veterans will be indispensable to their respective batting units. It could be the pair's last Border-Gavaskar Trophy edition. Both the batters are 35 and by the time the series begins, Kohli will be 36.

In a conversation with Star Sports (via X), Maxwell shared his excitement, suggesting that Smith and Kohli could play a huge role in deciding the result of the series.

"I think probably the way that the two superstar batters, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli, probably head-to-head, seeing how their dominance, I suppose, is asserted on the series and how much of an influence that has on who takes home the Border Gavaskar Trophy. One of those two is going to make a lot of runs, if not both of them, and it's going to be pretty exciting to watch the two of the finest players of our generation go head-to-head."

With India winning the last two series Down Under, Australia will be under real pressure this time around.

"It’s going to be nice to come up against him again this summer" - Steve Smith on Virat Kohli

Steve Smith and Virat Kohli. (Image Credits: Getty)

Steve Smith, who has had a bittersweet relationship with Virat Kohli over the years, hailed the Indian legend for his in-your-face attitude. The right-hander told Star Sports (via X):

"I believe Virat Kohli is Australian in thoughts and action. The way he gets into it at all the way, gets into the challenge and tries to get on top of the opposition. He’s probably most Australian of the Indian players I’d say. We get on quite well, share messages every now and again. Look he’s a great guy and obviously a wonderful player. So, it’s going to be nice to come up against him again this summer."

The first of the five Tests begins at the Optus Stadium in Perth on November 22. The venues for the remaining Tests are Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.