Australia victory in 5th Test to Regain Border-Gavaskar Trophy

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Australia Secures Victory in Sydney

Australia defeated India by six wickets in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. The win also secured their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, where they will face South Africa. The match concluded within three days, showcasing Australia’s dominance on a challenging pitch.

• Australia: 181 & 162/4
• India: 185 & 157
• Scott Boland took a remarkable 10 wickets in the match.
• Beau Webster, on debut, played a crucial role with bat and ball.

Scott Boland’s Record-Breaking Performance

Scott Boland delivered a career-best performance, taking 10 wickets across both innings. His figures of 6 for 45 in the second innings dismantled India’s batting lineup. Boland’s precision and consistency earned him a rousing reception from the SCG crowd.

• Boland achieved his second Test match five-wicket haul.
• His exceptional bowling left India struggling to build partnerships.
• Boland’s heroics helped Australia dismiss India for 157 on the third morning.

Australia’s Bowling Depth
Pat Cummins complemented Boland with three wickets, including key dismissals of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. The Australian attack, despite missing some regulars, proved too strong for India.

India’s Struggles with the Bat

India’s batting woes continued throughout the match, with only Rishabh Pant offering resistance. Pant’s scores of 40 and 61 were the highlights of India’s innings. The rest of the lineup faltered against Australia’s disciplined bowling.

• India lost 4 wickets for just 16 runs on the third morning.
• Pant’s efforts were not enough to push India to a competitive total.
• The absence of partnerships hurt India’s chances.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence Felt Deeply

India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, was unable to bowl in the final innings due to a back injury. This significantly impacted India’s defense of the modest target of 161.

• Bumrah’s injury overshadowed India’s performance.
• Without him, the bowling attack lacked control and penetration.
• Bumrah had been India’s leading wicket-taker in the series.

Bowling Challenges
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna took wickets but struggled with consistency. Wayward bowling in the early overs allowed Australia to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Australia’s Clinical Chase

Australia chased down the target of 161 with six wickets in hand, led by steady contributions from Usman Khawaja and debutant Beau Webster.

• Khawaja scored 41 runs before falling to Siraj.
• Webster remained unbeaten on 39, hitting the winning runs.
• Travis Head provided crucial support with a brisk innings.

Debutant Beau Webster Shines
Webster made an immediate impact in his debut Test:

• Scored 57 in the first innings.
• Took Shubman Gill’s wicket.
• Finished the game with a match-winning knock.

Implications for the World Test Championship

With this win, Australia has cemented their place in the WTC final, joining South Africa. India, however, is now out of contention for the final.

• Australia will play South Africa in the WTC final.
• India’s hopes were dashed due to inconsistent performances throughout the series.
• The Border-Gavaskar Trophy win marks a significant achievement for Australia.

Standout Performers in the Series

Australia:

• Scott Boland: Star performer with 10 wickets in the final Test.
• Pat Cummins: Consistently led the bowling attack.
• Beau Webster: A dream debut with key contributions.

India:

• Jasprit Bumrah: Most wickets in the series despite missing the final act.
• Rishabh Pant: Lone warrior with crucial runs in difficult situations.

Match Summary