Sydney [Australia], January 5: Australia ended a decade-long wait to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a commanding 6-wicket win over India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, securing a 3-1 series triumph. The victory marked a turning point in the fierce rivalry, as Australia now looks ahead to the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
India’s hopes were dashed on the final day, as they were bowled out for just 157 in their second innings, leaving Australia with a modest target of 162 runs to chase. Rohit Sharma, who opted out of the final Test, and head coach Gautam Gambhir watched in frustration as their team’s dreams crumbled. The loss ended India’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive WTC final.
Australia’s victory, however, secured their place in the WTC final, where they will face South Africa at Lord’s. The Baggy Greens will aim to defend their WTC crown, with this win adding to their growing reputation as a dominant force in world cricket.
The third day of the final Test saw India collapse early. Pat Cummins started the Australian charge by dismissing Ravindra Jadeja with a brilliant delivery, and later got Washington Sundar out with a nip-backer. Jasprit Bumrah, who had been struggling with back spasms, stepped in with the bat but could not stave off Australia’s relentless attack. He was dismissed by Scott Boland, who continued to torment the Indian line-up, eventually sending Mohammad Siraj back to the pavilion with a top-edge caught by Usman Khawaja.
Boland’s fiery spell helped Australia wrap up India’s innings for just 157, setting a manageable chase of 162. Without Bumrah to lead the bowling attack, India’s hopes rested on Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, but the pressure seemed to take a toll on both bowlers, who struggled with consistency and gave away crucial runs.
Australia’s chase got off to a steady start despite early wickets. Sam Konstas, leading the charge, looked in excellent form, but India’s bowlers made a comeback with Prasidh Krishna removing the dangerous Konstas and dismissing Marnus Labuschagne. Steven Smith, on the brink of becoming the 10th player in Test history to reach 10,000 runs, was also dismissed for a disappointing score, caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal off a delivery from Krishna.
India’s hopes of a comeback rested on breaking through Australia’s middle order, but the pressure never mounted. Travis Head and debutant Beau Webster held firm, taking Australia closer to victory. With the hosts cruising towards the finish line, Webster sealed the win by hitting a boundary, bringing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy back to Australia.
Brief Scores:
• India: 185 & 157 (Rishabh Pant 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 22; Scott Boland 6/45)
• Australia: 181 & 162/4 (Travis Head 34*, Beau Webster 39*; Prasidh Krishna 3/65)