Australia Defeats India in 5th Test, Secures 3-1 Series Victory After a Decade
Australia ended a decade-long wait to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a six-wicket victory over India in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Chasing a challenging target of 162 on a tricky surface, the Aussies wrapped up the match in three days.
Debutant Beau Webster impressed with a composed 39, while Usman Khawaja anchored the chase with a solid 41. Their contributions ensured Australia sealed the series and secured a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s this June.
The man of the match, Scott Boland, gave the best bowling performance of his career, taking 10 wickets (6-45 and 4-31) to demolish India’s batting. India was found wanting under pressure. Rishabh Pant’s 61 was the only highlight of a poor batting effort. With Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out with back spasms and erratic bowling, India didn’t stand much of a chance to defend its total.
A triumph for Australia will see them gain the top spot at 63.73% win rate in WTC standings to qualify for the final. For India, this was the final match of the campaign, where they finished with a 50% win rate without a chance of winning the title.
For Australia, after winning the series, the task is now of Test cricket trophy, and to do that, they will play South Africa led by Temba Bavuma in the much-anticipated WTC final.
