Australia Reclaim Border-Gavaskar Trophy and Secure WTC Final Spot

Without the presence of Jasprit Bumrah, India’s chances of keeping the series alive faded quickly as Australia secured a comprehensive victory within three days. This win not only reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which had eluded them for a decade, but also confirmed their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, where they will face South Africa. Australia’s dominance was apparent, as they wrapped up the match with minimal resistance from India, completing a clinical performance at the SCG.

Bumrah’s absence played a crucial role in India’s downfall. Having been the most prolific Indian bowler on the tour and a key figure in the series, his inability to contribute in the final match was a significant blow. India had been relying on him to lead their bowling attack and maintain their hopes of reaching the WTC final. While Bumrah had been ruled out from bowling due to his back injury, his status as Player of the Series highlighted his immense influence, despite not being able to play a part in this crucial final match.

The tension around Bumrah’s condition was evident from the outset of Day 3. After undergoing scans on his back the previous day, Bumrah returned to bat at No. 11 but was unable to bowl. He was noticeably absent from warm-ups and only performed some shadow-bowling exercises. Following his dismissal for a duck as the last Indian batter, Bumrah did not take the field at all during India’s attempt to defend a target of 161 runs. Given his history with back issues, India had to be cautious with his participation, leaving them without one of their most vital players in the field.

Australia’s chase was always going to be difficult, especially on a challenging SCG pitch, but India’s inability to make an impact with the ball made it seem much easier. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna’s early erratic bowling, conceding 12 runs in wides and byes, put them on the back foot immediately. Although Prasidh Krishna tightened his line and took three wickets, including that of Steven Smith, the absence of Bumrah loomed large. India’s batting collapse on the third morning, losing 4 wickets for just 16 runs, sealed their fate. Scott Boland, who took six wickets in the match, was the standout performer, marking his first ten-wicket haul in professional cricket and further driving India’s defeat.

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Boland Leads Australia’s Dominant Day, While Krishna Shines for India

Scott Boland was the standout performer on Day 3, starting with a maiden over and consistently hitting the perfect length to trouble India’s batters. He had Mohammad Siraj caught at first slip and then bowled Jasprit Bumrah out in the 40th over to finish off India’s innings. Boland’s performance was capped off by a well-deserved moment of triumph, as he raised the ball aloft and led his team off the field, receiving a rousing ovation from the SCG crowd. His figures of six wickets in the match were a testament to his persistence and skill.

Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, had also played a pivotal role earlier in the day, dismissing Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Jadeja, who had been dropped on six the previous day, was eventually caught by the keeper for 13 after Cummins bowled a fuller delivery that kissed the outside edge. Cummins then bowled a perfect delivery to bowl out Sundar and expose India’s tail to Boland’s attack. Australia’s bowlers capitalized on the wayward new-ball bowling from Siraj and Krishna, with the visitors unable to put a halt to the Australian momentum as they took an early lead in their chase.

Prasidh Krishna, India’s brightest performer on the day, made important breakthroughs after a change in his approach. Having switched to a fuller length following a conversation with the analyst, Krishna benefited from the new ball, generating bounce and seam movement. He struck with the dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne, who was caught in the gully after being hit on the elbow. Krishna’s crowning moment came when he dismissed Steve Smith, who was caught out one run short of his 10,000th Test run milestone, frustrating the Australian batter. While India’s bowlers showed some fight, including a spirited reaction after Usman Khawaja’s dismissal, it was clear that Australia’s control over the match was nearly complete.

Webster and Head Propel Australia to Victory as India’s Attack Struggles

Travis Head and debutant Beau Webster provided a much-needed shift in momentum, turning the game in Australia’s favor. Head made a statement early on, driving a wide half-volley from Nitish Kumar Reddy through the covers with precision. Meanwhile, Webster, though more conservative, played at a rapid pace, using his long reach to disturb the bowlers’ lengths. His calm yet aggressive approach saw Australia’s chase gather steam quickly, and he became a key figure in their pursuit of 162.

Webster, whose first-class debut came in 2014, had long awaited his opportunity at the top level, and when it finally came, he made it count. In Australia’s first innings, he top-scored with 57, an innings only outdone by Rishabh Pant’s effort. His debut performance continued to impress as he also took a vital catch and dismissed Shubman Gill. On Sunday, Webster delivered an unbeaten 39 off 34 balls and struck the final blow by stepping out to Washington Sundar and driving the ball straight for four to seal the victory in just 27 overs.

India’s attack, though bolstered by Prasidh Krishna and Mohammad Siraj, struggled to break through in the face of Australia’s depth and precision. The two bowlers bowled 24 of the first 25 overs in the chase, with little support elsewhere. Ravindra Jadeja didn’t bowl a single over in the final innings, and Washington bowled just one, raising questions about India’s selection strategy. Australia’s all-around strength in both batting and bowling contrasted sharply with India’s reliance on a depleted attack, especially after Jasprit Bumrah’s injury compounded their difficulties during the tour.