After a 10-year wait, Australia won their first Border-Gavaskar Trophy since the 2014-15 series, claiming victory in the afternoon session on Day 3 at the SCG. This win in Sydney also earned them a spot in the World Test Championship final for the second year in a row, where they will face South Africa for the trophy, as long as there are no penalties for slow over-rates.
Australia’s debutant Beau Webster and Travis Head, known for his big-match performances against India, guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 58-run partnership. The Indian bowlers couldn’t manage to stop them, especially without the injured Jasprit Bumrah. At the end of the morning session, India had some hope when Prasidh Krishna took three quick wickets, but Head and Beau Webster ended those hopes.
Boland began the day by bowling a maiden over and kept hitting the right length, challenging both edges. He got Siraj caught at first slip and bowled out Bumrah in the 40th over to end India’s innings. After that, Boland proudly raised the ball and led Australia off the field, while the crowd at SCG gave him a warm and loud reception.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins picked wickets of both batters from Day 2, Jadeja edged one that went away from him, while Sundar was bowled out by one that came in.
The story of five Tests, in two minutes.
What a series 🙏 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/PCRMrx7UNH
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 5, 2025
Australia was set to chase the target of 162 runs, On the other hand, India was missing the services of Bumrah. However, Krishna draws the first blood for India as Sam was caught at mid-off.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith were dismissed quickly, giving India a chance to stay in the game. Labuschagne played a back-of-length ball straight to Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully, while Smith was caught by an extra bounce.
Australia booked their tickets for the final of The World Test Championship in June at Lord’s, baggy green will face South Africa in the final. Australia will play their last series of the WTC cycle 2024-25 against Sri Lanka from 29 January.
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Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
