The only thing missing from the fight for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is ... the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The prize for the winner of the four-Test series is sitting in Cricket Australia's headquarters in Melbourne despite India having "held" it for the last three years.

Indian authorities have shown no interest whatsoever in actually getting their hands on it.

On display until the real deal gets here for the fourth Test is the TVS Cup which, according to the publicity blurb, is like no other trophy you have ever seen.

"It speaks of challenges and the ability to stretch beyond one's limits," says the gloriously overdone Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) press release.

"The two main extensions resemble branches connotating (sic) ascent and reaching for higher things. The horse - symbolic of power and speed - straddles these two branches suggesting a vehicle that bridges the gap and brings the two teams together. The horse is also positioned in a way that suggests a pose ready to jump, ready for flight.

"Its position at the top conveys a sense of authority and responsibility. Also the arm resembles a diving board, which suggests taking chances, diving into possibilities. The smaller arm seems to be providing support to the other two branches.

"The steel finish of the trophy conveys contemporariness (sic) as well as sturdiness and the curves suggest flexibility and a willingness to adapt. The two arms represent the two teams, the longer one symbolic of the winner.

"The longer arm is resting on the smaller, conveying the spirit of the game where fair play is imperative. The steel ball placed on the long arm conveys how the winner has been able to balance the game and has emerged triumphant."

Still looks like a regular trophy.

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