NEW DELHI: Australia secured a six-wicket victory in the fifth and final Test against India in Sydney, clinching the series 3-1 and securing their place in the World Test Championship final.
The match concluded on the third day, with India being dismissed for 157 in their second innings, adding only 16 runs to their overnight score of 141/6.
Scott Boland, the Australian pacer, was the standout performer, claiming remarkable figures of 6/45 in the innings and 10 wickets in the match. His relentless accuracy and ability to extract movement off the pitch proved too much for the Indian batters.
Chasing a target of 162 runs, the Australian batters displayed a composed and determined approach, reaching the required total before the tea break.
The Indian bowling attack, hampered by the absence of their premier strike bowler Jasprit Bumrah due to injury, struggled to make inroads against the resolute Australian batting lineup.
As Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar trophy (BGT) for the first time since the 2014-15 season, here we take a look at the five major taking points from the BGT 2024/25.
Jasprit Bumrah: The leader leading from the front
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has solidified his reputation as a world-class talent during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia.
Throughout the series, Bumrah claimed an impressive 32 wickets at an outstanding average of 13.06, setting a new record for the most wickets taken by an Indian bowler in a single series in Australia.
His standout performance came during the Boxing Day Test, where he bowled an astonishing 53.2 overs, the highest workload of his career in a single match, demonstrating remarkable endurance and commitment to the team’s cause.
However, this herculean effort took a physical toll on Bumrah, limiting his contributions in the subsequent Sydney Test due to a back issue. Despite this setback, his critical importance to the team’s success was underscored by the fact that he was entrusted with the captaincy in Perth and Sydney, filling in for Rohit Sharma.
Throughout the series, Bumrah’s ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances and his unwavering dedication to the team’s cause were on full display.
Five-Test series ends with a bang
The first-ever five-Test series between the two teams witnessed an unprecedented surge in attendance, with crowds flocking to witness the historic event.
The series, strategically scheduled during the holiday season and favoured by favourable weather conditions, captivated spectators with its electrifying cricket action, shattering attendance records and reaffirming the enduring appeal of the red-ball format.
The highlight of the series was the fourth Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, where an astounding 373,691 fans attended over the course of five days.
This remarkable figure surpassed the previous record of 350,534 set during the legendary 1936-37 Ashes series at the same venue, a series that was dominated by the cricket great Donald Bradman in an era when Tests spanned six days.
Wins for debutants
The rise of Sam Konstas for Australia and Nitish Kumar Reddy for India spotlights the rich talent pipeline emerging for both teams. These young players, aged 19 and 21 respectively, marked their Test debuts with impressive performances, signalling promising futures.
Konstas displayed an aggressive batting approach in his first innings in Brisbane, scoring a rapid 60 against Jasprit Bumrah, one of the world’s premier bowlers.
His fearless intent and stroke play have sparked discussions about his potential as a long-term opener for Australia.
Reddy demonstrated his versatility and composure under pressure. He provided crucial support to India’s frontline bowlers while scoring a commanding maiden century in the fourth Test.
His all-round contributions show India’s depth and Reddy’s capability to excel in both batting and bowling, securing his position as a vital player for the team’s future.
Underperforming superstars
Both Australia and India are undergoing a transitional phase in their respective cricket teams, with this series potentially marking the end of the road for some aging and underperforming veterans.
Australian opener Usman Khawaja, aged 38, has struggled to make meaningful contributions, managing only 41 runs in the second innings at Sydney.
While his experience is invaluable, the lack of an obvious successor may temporarily prolong his tenure in the side.
For India, captain Rohit Sharma, aged 37, finds himself under increasing scrutiny due to a dreadful run of form, which led to his omission from the final Test in Sydney.
Although he claimed it was a “rest” decision for the team’s benefit, his international future in Test cricket appears uncertain.
Virat Kohli, aged 36, is also nearing the end of his illustrious career. Despite smashing an unbeaten century in the second innings in Perth, his consistency has waned, and this could potentially be his last tour of Australia.
Steve Smith ends BGT 24/25 on a high
Steve Smith, always a nemesis against India, is poised to achieve a significant milestone by crossing the coveted 10,000-run mark in Test cricket during Australia’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
Having narrowly missed the mark in Sydney, the 35-year-old prolific batsman, currently standing at 9,999 Test runs, continues to defy age and expectations with his remarkable performances.
In a series where many of his contemporaries struggled, Smith stood out with two gritty centuries. His unorthodox, fidgety style remains as effective as ever, indicating that he has plenty more to offer at the top level.
With no immediate plans for retirement, Smith is also a strong contender to lead Australia in Sri Lanka if the current skipper, Pat Cummins, opts out for the birth of his second child.
His leadership experience and unyielding form make him an indispensable asset to the Australian setup.
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