Australia cruised to a commanding six-wicket victory over a lackluster Indian team in the fifth Test, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade and securing their spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, scheduled from June 11 to 15.
India, trailing in form and grappling with a challenging transition phase, lost the series 3-1, marking their exit from the WTC final. Chasing a target of 162, Australia made light work of the challenge, especially with India’s newly appointed Test captain, Jasprit Bumrah, unable to bowl due to severe back spasms. Despite Bumrah’s absence, Virat Kohli’s leadership in the field signaled the uphill task ahead, as the Indian bowling unit struggled to contain the Australians.
Bumrah’s stellar performance throughout the series, where he scalped 32 wickets in five matches, earned him the Player of the Series award. However, this individual feat offered little solace to India’s overall disappointing performance. Reflecting on his inability to bowl in the crucial final innings, Bumrah remarked, "It's frustrating, but you have to listen to your body. Disappointing to miss out on what could have been the spiciest wicket of the series."
Australia’s emphatic win leaves India with much to introspect as they navigate their transition phase and prepare for future challenges.
Updated on 5th January, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.