World Test Championship: Australia beat India in final at The Oval

Australia emerged victorious in the World Test Championship final at The Oval, defeating India by 209 runs.

Australia’s dominance was evident from the start, with their batsmen, Head and Smith, leading the charge in the first innings, scoring 163 and 121 runs respectively. Siraj managed to take four wickets for India, but Australia still posted a substantial total of 469. In their second innings, Australia declared at 270-8, with Carey contributing an unbeaten 66. Jadeja took three wickets for India.

India’s hopes of achieving the mammoth target of 444 relied heavily on Kohli, who began the day at 44 not out with the score at 164-3. However, his dismissal for 49 in the seventh over of the day, caught by Smith off Boland’s delivery, shattered India’s chances. Jadeja also fell in the same over, caught behind. Australia efficiently dismissed India’s lower order before lunch, restricting them to 234 and securing a resounding victory. Lyon took four wickets, while Boland claimed three.

With this win, Australia clinched their second World Test Championship title, following New Zealand’s triumph two years ago. They now hold the prestigious title of the best Test team in the world as they head into the highly anticipated Ashes series against England.

Despite India’s moments of resistance, Australia maintained control throughout the final and emerged as deserving champions. However, England may have identified some weaknesses, such as Warner and Khawaja’s struggles in English conditions and questions surrounding Australia’s backup fast bowlers and their collective temperament under pressure.

Boland played a pivotal role in breaking India’s resistance, making a significant impact with his accuracy, relentless bowling, and seam movement. His early dismissal of Kohli, caught by Smith with an exceptional catch, set the tone for Australia’s success. Rahane, Thakur, and Yadav also fell victim to Australia’s bowling attack.

India’s wait for a world title continues, as they have now lost both World Test Championship finals. Despite missing key players due to injuries, such as Rahul, Bumrah, and Pant, India could not overcome Australia’s dominance in the final. Questions will be raised regarding their decision to exclude off-spinner Ashwin, the top-ranked bowler in the world.

Australia’s triumph in the World Test Championship sets them up as a formidable threat to England in the upcoming Ashes series. Their strong middle order, potent pace bowling, challenging spinner Lyon, and reliable slip fielding make them a formidable team. However, England will be eager to exploit any weaknesses they have observed.

Australia’s victory not only secures the Test mace but also adds $1.6 million to their coffers. They are the first team to win world titles in all three formats of the game and now turn their attention to defending cricket’s oldest and most prestigious prize.

Looking ahead, India will focus on the 50-over World Cup scheduled for October and November in their home country. It presents a golden opportunity for them to end their prolonged trophy drought.

Australia captain Pat Cummins expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the crucial partnership between Travis Head and Steve Smith in the first innings. He acknowledged some room for improvement but shifted the team’s focus to the upcoming Ashes series.

India captain Rohit Sharma admitted that his team had fallen short in both bowling and batting aspects, not capitalizing on the favorable pitch conditions. Despite a promising start, India failed to maintain their performance throughout the match.

Travis Head, who was named the player of the match, expressed his joy at the team’s remarkable achievement after two years of hard work.

Former England spinner Alex Hartley described Australia’s display as dominant and believed that their performance in the World Test Championship final served as a perfect warm-up for the Ashes series.