Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027: Australia face daunting India tour as five-Test series confirmed

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the schedule on Thursday, with matches also set to be played in Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad as Australia attempt to defend the trophy they reclaimed with a 3-1 home victory in 2024/25.

The opening Test returns to Nagpur, where Australia endured a crushing innings defeat during their last tour in 2023 - a result that set the tone for another unsuccessful campaign on Indian soil. More broadly, Australia have not won a Test series in India since 2004/05, underlining the scale of the challenge awaiting Pat Cummins' side.

There is, however, a fresh look to the venue list. Traditional strongholds such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru have been omitted, while Guwahati will host its first-ever Test involving Australia. The Barsapara Cricket Stadium has staged just one previous Test - India's heavy defeat to South Africa in 2025 - though Australia have enjoyed success there in T20 internationals.

Ahmedabad, which stages the final Test, offers more positive recent memories for the tourists, having been the venue for their victory in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. It is also one of only two grounds retained from the 2023 Test tour, alongside Nagpur.

The five-match series will run as follows:

1st Test: January 21–25 – Nagpur

2nd Test: January 29–February 2 – Chennai

3rd Test: February 11–15 – Guwahati

4th Test: February 19–23 – Ranchi

5th Test: February 27–March 3 – Ahmedabad