India’s aspirations to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final were shattered after a six-wicket defeat against Australia in the fifth Test at Sydney. This loss handed Australia a 3-1 series victory, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade.
Despite a valiant effort, India’s campaign was marred by inconsistent performances and injuries. Australia’s earlier wins in Adelaide and Melbourne had already tilted the series in their favor, while India managed only a solitary victory in Perth, with the Brisbane Test ending in a draw. Australia topped the WTC standings with a PCT of 63.73, earning a final berth alongside South Africa, who secured their spot with a PCT of 66.67. India, finishing third with a PCT of 50.00, was left to reflect on a disappointing tour.
A Series of Missed Opportunities
India’s bowling unit struggled to defend a modest target of 162, especially with captain Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to back spasms. Bumrah’s absence exposed the team’s over-reliance on his brilliance, despite him finishing as the Player of the Series with 32 wickets. Pacers Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj failed to replicate Bumrah’s effectiveness, conceding easy runs to the Australian batters.
Usman Khawaja (41), debutant Beau Webster (39*), and Travis Head (34*) comfortably steered Australia to victory in just 27 overs, highlighting India’s bowling frailties. The Indian batting lineup also crumbled under pressure, managing just 157 runs in their final innings. Only Rishabh Pant (61) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) showed resistance, while the rest contributed a mere 74 runs collectively.
Australia’s Dominance and the Road Ahead
Australia’s clinical performance was spearheaded by Scott Boland (6/45) and Pat Cummins (3/44), who dismantled India’s batting order with ease.
This emphatic win not only secured the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also underlined Australia’s readiness for the WTC Final against South Africa at Lord’s from June 11-15. For India, the series served as a wake-up call, exposing weaknesses in both batting and bowling departments. The team now faces the challenge of rebuilding and addressing their over-reliance on a few key players as they enter a transitional phase in their Test cricket journey.
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