Australia has ended a decade-long wait to claim the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy, securing their first victory in the series since the 2014-15 edition. This historic moment unfolded on Day 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), as the Aussies defeated India to book a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the second time in succession — barring any over-rate deductions. They are set to face South Africa in the grand finale for the coveted mace.
A Dominant Chase Seals the Victory
The final chapter of this thrilling contest saw debutant Beau Webster and the ever-reliable Travis Head form an unbeaten 58-run partnership to seal the deal. India’s bowling unit, already depleted by the absence of Jasprit Bumrah due to a back spasm, couldn’t mount a strong defense of the modest 162-run target. While Prasidh Krishna’s three quick strikes in the morning session reignited India’s hopes, the Head-Webster duo proved unshakable in the end.
India’s Brief Morning Surge
The day started with Australia’s bowlers quashing India’s efforts to extend their overnight lead. Scott Boland and Pat Cummins combined to dismantle the Indian lower order in just 7.5 overs. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar succumbed to Cummins’ precise seam movement, while Boland picked up his fifth and sixth wickets of the innings by dismissing Mohammed Siraj and Bumrah. This left Australia needing only 162 runs to clinch the series.
Australia’s Resilient Start
With Bumrah unavailable to bowl, India’s pacers, Siraj and Krishna, struggled early on. Their lack of control resulted in several loose deliveries and easy boundaries. However, Krishna managed to dismiss Sam Konstas, who miscued a shot to Sundar at mid-off. Uneven bounce from the pitch kept India marginally in the game.
Quick Wickets Rekindle India’s Hopes
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith fell in rapid succession, giving India a glimmer of hope. Labuschagne’s misjudged pull shot landed in Yashasvi Jaiswal’s hands at gully, while Smith’s edge was expertly caught by the diving Jaiswal. At this stage, Australia still needed 91 runs to win, and the game was evenly poised.
India’s Bowling Woes Post-Lunch
India’s lack of a third frontline pacer began to show after the lunch break. Both Siraj and Krishna struggled to maintain their earlier intensity, allowing Australia to consolidate. Siraj did manage to dismiss Usman Khawaja with a nick to the keeper, but that was India’s final breakthrough. Webster’s and Head soon settled in, scoring runs with ease as the Indian attack waned.
Webster and Head’s Calm Finish
Webster’s and Head’s partnership flourished, with boundaries flowing freely after the drinks break. Webster eventually sealed the match in style, striking a four off Sundar to take Australia over the line Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Key Performers and Match Summary
- Australia:
- Scott Boland: 6/45 in the second innings.
- Pat Cummins: 3/44.
- Beau Webster: Unbeaten 39 in the chase.
- Travis Head: Steady 34 not out.
- India:
- Prasidh Krishna: 3/65 in the second innings.
- Rishabh Pant: Top-scored with 61 in the second innings.
Brief Scores: India 185 (Rishabh Pant 40; Scott Boland 4-31, Mitchell Starc 3-49) & 157 (Rishabh Pant 61; Scott Boland 6-45, Pat Cummins 3-44) lost to Australia 181 (Beau Webster 57; Prasidh Krishna 3-42, Mohammed Siraj 3-51) & 162/4 (Beau Webster 39*, Travis Head 34*) by 6 wickets.
The Road Ahead: WTC Final 2025
Australia’s emphatic victory has solidified their position in the WTC points table, setting the stage for an epic clash with South Africa in the WTC final 2025. For India, the defeat raises questions about their bowling depth and strategies, especially with their qualification for the final still hanging by a thread.
Can India Qualify for the WTC Final?
India’s qualification prospects now depend on their performance in the remaining series and results from other teams. With fierce competition in the WTC points table 2024, every match will be critical.
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Conclusion
Australia’s long-awaited triumph in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy not only ends a 10-year drought but also serves as a testament to their resilience and depth. As the cricketing world shifts its focus to the upcoming WTC final, fans are set for an exciting climax to the Test Championship cycle. Will India bounce back and make it to the final? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey ahead promises high drama and unforgettable moments.
