Australia secure WTC final spot, reclaim Border-Gavaskar glory

The emphatic victory also secured their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, where they will face South Africa later this year

PHOTO:AFP

Australia defeated India by six wickets in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. The emphatic victory also secured their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, where they will face South Africa later this year.

India's hopes of advancing to the WTC final largely rested on star bowler Jasprit Bumrah. However, his injury on Day 2 left a void in India’s bowling attack. Bumrah, who had been instrumental in the series with the most wickets by an Indian bowler on an Australia tour, missed the crucial moments after being sidelined with a back issue. He briefly returned to bat at No. 11 on Day 3 but was unfit to bowl, leaving India’s attack significantly weakened.

Scott Boland was the standout performer for Australia, claiming his maiden ten-wicket haul in international cricket. Boland's six-wicket spell in India’s second innings dismantled the opposition, helping Australia bowl them out for 157. His accuracy and relentless pressure made it challenging for India’s batters to build any momentum.

Boland was supported by captain Pat Cummins, who dismissed Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to expose India’s fragile tail. The duo’s efforts left Australia needing just 162 runs for victory on a challenging SCG pitch.

India’s depleted bowling attack struggled to defend the modest target. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who opened the attack, leaked runs early on. Although Prasidh managed to dismiss key players like Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith, Australia’s batters remained composed.

Usman Khawaja provided a steady start with a quick 41, while debutant Beau Webster and Travis Head anchored the chase. Webster, who had earlier top-scored with 57 in the first innings, played a mature knock of 39 not out in the second. He sealed the win in style by hitting Washington Sundar for a boundary.

Australia’s victory marked the end of a decade-long wait to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team celebrated the triumph with the SCG crowd, which had turned out in large numbers to witness the historic moment.