Australia Clinches Border Gavaskar Trophy After 10-Year Gap with Win in Sydney Test

After a 10-year wait, Australia triumphed over India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a dominant 3-1 series win. The victory ended a decade-long drought, marking a historic moment in the fierce rivalry between the two teams.

India’s Disappointment and the End of World Test Championship Hopes

Rohit Sharma, sitting out the final Test, watched on as his side’s dreams of making the World Test Championship final for the third straight time were dashed. Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s visible frustration mirrored the team’s struggles. The six-wicket defeat at the SCG crushed India’s hopes and ended their bid for the prestigious WTC spot.

Australia’s Triumph and the WTC Final

Australia’s win secured their place in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s. The Baggy Greens will enter the match with their eyes set on defending the WTC mace, having proven their dominance in this crucial series.

India Collapses Early on Day 3

The match turned decisively on Day 3, when India’s batting line-up crumbled in the opening hour. Pat Cummins dismissed Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, while Scott Boland took key wickets. India was all out for just 157 runs, setting Australia a modest target of 162 to chase.

Bumrah’s Absence and Australia’s Steady Chase

India faced a major setback with Jasprit Bumrah absent from the bowling attack. Despite hopes of his return after batting, Bumrah’s absence left India with fewer options. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna led the attack, but both struggled to maintain their line and length. Australia, led by Sam Konstas, capitalized on this and began building momentum towards the chase.

Prasidh Krishna Shines with Key Wickets

India’s hopes revived briefly when Prasidh Krishna claimed three wickets before lunch, including a stunning catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal to dismiss Steven Smith. However, India’s push for victory faltered as Australia’s batsmen, Travis Head and Beau Webster, dug in their heels and resisted India’s attack.

Australia Clinches the Victory

As the game progressed into the second session, Australia slowly edged towards victory. India continued to apply pressure but lacked the breakthrough they needed. In the end, Webster sealed the win with a boundary, bringing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy back to Australia. Head and Webster remained unbeaten at 34* and 39*, respectively.

Brief Scores:

India: 185 & 157 (Rishabh Pant 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 22, Scott Boland 6/45)
Australia: 181 & 162/4 (Travis Head 34*, Beau Webster 39*; Prasidh Krishna 3-65)