Australia thump India to lift their first World Test Championship title
India started the final day of the World Test Championship Final 2023 with a positive mindset, as they had to chase 280 runs to win the summit clash, with seven wickets in hand. But Australia ruined their plans and became the first team in the history of the sport to win all three ICC titles. They defeated India by 209 runs to lift the Test Mace and become the World Test Champions.
India closed Day 4 on 164/3 as Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane looked brilliant on the field. All that the Indian team hoped was for the two stalwarts to carry the same momentum onto the next day. But Australian bowlers showcased their best side, handed India several blows in the first session, and confirmed themselves a win.
Virat Kohli walked off scoring 49 runs, while Rahane, who was the stand-out batter for India in the first innings, could manage to get to 46 in 108 balls before being dismissed. Scott Boland started off the day on a high note. He picked Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja within three deliveries to put a dent in India’s batting unit. After Rahane and Shardul Thakur’s dismissals, the Rohit Sharma-led side were left stranded. India eventually folded their innings scoring 234 runs, and lost yet another ICC title.
Talking Points
1. Scott Boland’s double-wicket over
On the seventh over of the day, Scott Boland got the Australian side into the driver’s seat as he dismissed Virat Kohli on the third delivery. He kept the celebrations going as he followed it up with Ravindra Jadeja’s wicket on the fifth delivery of the same over, which virtually put curtains on India’s innings.
2. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur walk off on a duck
Both Jadeja and Thakur had been phenomenal in the previous innings because of which they were expected to do well in the second innings too. Walking in to bat at a crucial situation, the two all-rounders lost their wickets cheaply and were dismissed for a duck. After Boland dismissed Jadeja, Nathan Lyon sent Thakur packing.
3. Mitchell Starc gets Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane stood strong and batted brilliantly, just like the previous innings. Just when it looked like Rahane would pull India out of misery, Mitchell Starc struck and showed the batter his way to the dugout. Nothing much was possible after his wicket, as India were left with just three wickets in hand, and a huge total to chase.
4. India lose yet another ICC Final
After Kohli, Jadeja, Rahane, and Thakur’s wicket, Bharat was the last standing batter. But Australia managed to wrap up the game before Lunch and ended India’s dream of clinching the Test Mace. With Australia scripting history, team India’s 10-year-long wait to win an ICC title continues. The Men in Blue will now look to win the World Cup 2023 at home scheduled later this year.
