India vs Australia: A Rivalry Celebrated by ‘Australia’s Sam Curran’ Jake Jeakings

Australia is making waves at the ongoing Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, powered by their aggressive style, strong batting lineup, and diverse bowling attack. However, it’s not just their skills on the field that have garnered attention. Two avid fans from Perth, who have followed the team across the country and even to Colombo, have captured the spotlight among cameras, fellow supporters, and the Australian team itself.

Jake Jeakings, a familiar figure to Indian cricket enthusiasts due to his regular presence at IPL matches and popularity on social media, was seen braving the heat at ACA-VDCA Stadium alongside his father, Andrew, a bank manager.

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Despite being in what could be considered rival territory, the duo enthusiastically display flags and banners, proudly affirming their support for Australia.

“Watching cricket in India is a passion of mine. I prefer sitting among the Indian fans to fully embrace their enthusiasm. In my opinion, Indian cricket fans are unrivaled in their passion for the sport,” Andrew shared with Sportstar.

“I was in India for the 2023 Men’s World Cup. My first game was Australia vs India in Chennai, which we lost. But sitting with the Bharat Army that day was unforgettable. It ranks among my best cricket experiences ever,” he added.

Jake also considers India a second home.

“This is my ninth visit to India. I adore watching cricket here. I’ve adapted to the heat, the cuisine – everything except the music, which I feel isn’t loud enough,” he remarked as popular Tollywood tracks momentarily interrupted the conversation.

“When Travis Head and Pat Cummins joined Sunrisers Hyderabad, my support deepened. Now, whenever I enter the stadium, people greet me like family. Hyderabad and the Orange Army feel like home,” Jake explained.

Jake’s resemblance to England all-rounder Sam Curran frequently amuses the Jeakings family.

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“At a pub in Chennai, they announced Sam Curran was present, drawing a crowd around Jake. One couple even questioned if I were his coach when we claimed he wasn’t Sam. I jokingly reassured them I brought the right child home!” Andrew chuckled.

They emphasized that the India vs Australia rivalry is the fiercest in international cricket. “Forget the Ashes; this rivalry tops it. Gilchrist was doing ‘Bazball’ before it was a thing. Winning in England is common for us, but India is a different challenge,” Andrew noted.

The excitement escalated with the women’s team victory over India in the World Cup group stage, enriching the rivalry’s narrative.

“That match ranks among my top three. Witnessing it live was phenomenal. It was a testament to women’s cricket, showcasing it as an exciting, skillful sport. That game was a victory for cricket itself,” Andrew opined.

Published on Oct 17, 2025