Australia Reclaims Border-Gavaskar Trophy with Dominant Victory in Fifth Test

Australia Reclaims Border-Gavaskar Trophy with Dominant Victory in Fifth Test

Scorecard Summary

Day 1: India 1st Innings

India: 185 all out (72.2 overs)

• Rishabh Pant: 40 (98 balls)

• Ravindra Jadeja: 26 (95 balls)

• Scott Boland: 4/31 (20 overs)

• Mitchell Starc: 3/49 (18 overs)

Australia 1st Innings

Australia: 181 all out (51 overs)

• Beau Webster: 57 (105 balls)

• Steven Smith: 33 (57 balls)

• Prasidh Krishna: 3/42 (15 overs)

• Mohammed Siraj: 3/51 (16 overs)

Day 2: India 2nd Innings

India: 157 all out (39.5 overs)

• Rishabh Pant: 61 (33 balls)

• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 22 (35 balls)

• Scott Boland: 6/45 (16.5 overs)

• Pat Cummins: 3/44 (15 overs)

Day 3: Australia 2nd Innings

Australia: 162/4 (27 overs)

• Usman Khawaja: 41 (45 balls)

• Beau Webster: 39* (34 balls)

• Travis Head: 34* (38 balls)

• Prasidh

Sydney, January 5, 2025 – In a compelling display of cricket, Australia clinched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade, defeating India by six wickets in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This victory not only secured a 3-1 series win but also guaranteed Australia's spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June.

Day 1: India's Struggles with the Bat

Electing to bat first, India faced immediate challenges on a green-tinged SCG pitch. The Australian bowling attack, led by Scott Boland, exploited the conditions expertly. Boland's disciplined line and length troubled the Indian top order, resulting in figures of 4 for 31. Mitchell Starc complemented him with 3 for 49, while captain Pat Cummins added 2 for 37. Rishabh Pant provided some resistance with a gritty 40, but India was eventually bowled out for 185 in 72.2 overs.In response, Australia ended the day at 9 for 1, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming the early wicket of David Warner. The hosts trailed by 176 runs, setting the stage for a pivotal second day.

Day 2: Australia's Batting Prowess

Australia's innings gained momentum on the second day, thanks to a solid partnership between Steven Smith and debutant Beau Webster. Smith's composed 33 and Webster's impressive 57 anchored the innings. Despite a spirited effort from India's bowlers, including Prasidh Krishna's 3 for 42 and Mohammed Siraj's 3 for 51, Australia managed to post 181, conceding a slender four-run lead to India.

Day 3: Boland's Brilliance and Australia's Triumph

The third day witnessed a dramatic collapse of India's batting lineup. Scott Boland delivered a career-defining performance, claiming 6 for 45 and achieving a ten-wicket haul in the match. Rishabh Pant's aggressive 61 off 33 balls was the sole highlight in an otherwise dismal innings, as India was dismissed for 157 in just 39.5 overs.Chasing a target of 162, Australia approached the task with determination. Usman Khawaja's brisk 41 set the tone, while Travis Head (34 not out) and Beau Webster (39 not out) guided the team to victory, reaching 162 for 4 in 27 overs. The win not only secured the series but also marked Australia's resurgence in Test cricket.

Captain's Reflections

Australian skipper Pat Cummins expressed immense pride in his team's performance. He highlighted the significance of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and securing a place in the World Test Championship final. Cummins also lauded Scott Boland's exceptional contribution, noting, "Scott's ten-wicket haul was a game-changer. His discipline and consistency were exemplary."

India's Perspective

For India, the series defeat was a moment of introspection. The absence of key players due to injuries and the inability to counter Australia's disciplined bowling attack were critical factors. Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenges, stating, "It's a tough loss. We need to assess our performance and work on our shortcomings ahead of future tours."

Looking Ahead

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy back in Australia's hands, the focus now shifts to the upcoming World Test Championship final. Australia's comprehensive series win has bolstered their confidence as they prepare to face South Africa at Lord's. The team's blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents like Beau Webster positions them well for the challenges ahead.