Australia Clinches Border-Gavaskar Trophy After a Decade, Knocks India Out of WTC Final Race

India’s hopes of securing a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final were shattered after a disappointing six-wicket defeat to Australia in the fifth and final Test in Sydney on Sunday. This loss allowed Australia to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years and sealed their place in the WTC Final against South Africa, scheduled at Lord’s from June 11 to 15.

With this victory, Australia clinched the five-match series 3-1, following earlier wins in Adelaide and Melbourne. India’s sole victory came in the series opener in Perth, while the third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw. Australia concluded the WTC standings with a PCT (percentage of points won) of 63.73, while India finished third at 50.00. South Africa topped the table with a PCT of 66.67, securing their place in the summit clash.

India’s Struggles and Australia’s Dominance

India’s performance in the final Test exposed the team’s over-reliance on key players and glaring batting deficiencies. Set a target of 162, Australia made quick work of the chase, cruising to victory in just 27 overs. Standout performances from Usman Khawaja (41), Travis Head (34*), and debutant Beau Webster (39*) underpinned the host’s dominant display.

India’s chances were further hampered by the unavailability of skipper Jasprit Bumrah, who was sidelined with back spasms despite attempting to warm up earlier in the day. Bumrah, who took 32 wickets in the series, was named Player of the Series, though it offered little solace for India’s overall struggles.

On the bowling front, Prasidh Krishna (3/65) and Mohammed Siraj (1/69) failed to replicate Bumrah’s impact, allowing Australia to dictate terms with ease.

Australia’s Bowling Excellence

Australia’s pace attack, led by the brilliant Scott Boland (6/45) and Pat Cummins (3/44), dismantled India’s batting lineup in the first innings, restricting them to a mere 157 in 39.5 overs. Excluding Rishabh Pant’s valiant 61 and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 22, the rest of the Indian batting order faltered, managing only 74 runs collectively.

A Period of Transition for India

India’s elimination from the WTC Final marks the end of a challenging series and raises critical questions about the team’s reliance on its senior players and its batting depth. The loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade further underscores the need for a strategic overhaul as the team navigates a transitional phase.

Australia’s resounding series win and qualification for the WTC Final reaffirm their dominance in Test cricket, setting the stage for an exciting clash against South Africa at Lord’s.