Australia Reclaims Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Books Spot in World Test Championship Final

SYDNEY: Sydney witnessed a historic moment on Sunday as Australia secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over India to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade. The win not only marked the end of India’s dominance but also booked Australia a place in the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.

Chasing a modest 162-run target on a tricky Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) pitch, Travis Head (34*) and debutant Beau Webster (39*) displayed nerves of steel, forging an unbeaten 58-run partnership to seal the victory. Webster fittingly ended the game with a straight boundary, sparking celebrations in the packed SCG stands.

“It’s unreal, it’s been an amazing series,” said an elated Australian captain Pat Cummins. “I’m immensely proud of the team. Everyone contributed, and it’s been so much fun along the way.”

Bumrah Shines Despite Injury

Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah, despite being unable to bowl on the final day due to a back injury, was named Player of the Series for his extraordinary 32 wickets across five matches. Reflecting on the series, Bumrah acknowledged the team’s fight: “It was frustrating not to bowl today, but sometimes you have to respect your body. The series was hard-fought, and our young players will take valuable lessons from this experience.”

Bumrah’s absence on the decisive day saw India’s pacers Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj rise to the occasion. Krishna’s fiery spell, including dismissals of Marnus Labuschagne (6) and Steve Smith (4), kept the game on a knife-edge. Smith, needing just one run to reach 10,000 in Test cricket, was left stranded on 9,999—a rare disappointment in an otherwise stellar career.

Boland Shines Bright

Australia’s Scott Boland delivered a career-best performance, claiming 6-45 for a remarkable 10-wicket match haul. Boland’s relentless pace and accuracy earned him the Player of the Match award and widespread acclaim. “To win 3-1 against India hasn’t been done for a while—it’s just awesome,” said Boland.

A Series for the Ages

The series, marked by intense battles and shifting momentum, concluded with Australia’s 3-1 triumph. The victory ends India’s decade-long hold on the trophy and sets the stage for a high-stakes World Test Championship final in June.

Read more: Rohit Sharma to Retire from Test Cricket After Ongoing Australia Series

As cricket fans reflect on an unforgettable series, attention now shifts to the final at Lord’s, where Australia will face South Africa for the coveted title.