Australia emerged victorious in the final of the World Test Championship, defeating India by a commanding margin of 209 runs at the prestigious Oval Cricket Ground on Sunday. The Indian XI valiantly attempted to chase down a daunting target of 444 runs but fell short, eventually being dismissed for 234 runs in their second innings.
This triumph marks a significant milestone for Australia, as they have now clinched the one major cricket title that had previously eluded them. Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland stood out as the standout performers in the second innings, claiming four and three wickets, respectively, for the Australian side.
While the Indian batsmen showed promise with several players getting starts, none were able to occupy the crease for an extended period. Rohit Sharma contributed 43 runs, Virat Kohli added 49, and Ajinkya Rahane scored 46 runs, making them the prominent contributors for the men in blue.
The match’s brief scores highlight the ebb and flow of the game. Australia set the tone in the first innings by posting a formidable total of 469 runs, with Travis Head’s remarkable knock of 163 and Steve Smith’s solid century of 121 runs. Mohammed Siraj emerged as the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming four wickets for 108 runs.
In response, India managed to accumulate 296 runs in their first innings, with Ajinkya Rahane leading the charge with a composed knock of 89 runs. Shardul Thakur also made a notable contribution, scoring a half-century with 51 runs. Pat Cummins proved to be the most successful bowler for Australia, taking three wickets for 83 runs.
As the match progressed, Australia declared their second innings at 270-8, with Alex Carey remaining unbeaten on a well-constructed 66 runs. Ravindra Jadeja was the standout bowler for India in the second innings, claiming three wickets for 58 runs. In their final attempt to chase down the target, India’s batting lineup succumbed to the pressure, with Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland wreaking havoc, taking four and three wickets, respectively.
The resounding victory for Australia in the World Test Championship final serves as a testament to their exceptional skills and determination. This triumph will undoubtedly bolster their standing in the cricketing world and leave a lasting legacy in the annals of the sport.
