India’s dream shattered as Australia cruises into World Test Championship final

India’s journey to a third consecutive World Test Championship final came to an unfortunate end in Sydney. 

With their backs against the wall, the Indian team, led by stars like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant, had one option: win. 

But despite the star studded line squad, the team failed to deliver, and Australia made the most of India’s mistakes to secure their place in the final with a 6-wicket victory.

Australia’s win also meant they had taken the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, clinching it with a 3-1 series victory. 

This marked their first Border-Gavaskar win since the 2014-15 season, and their second consecutive appearance in the World Test Championship final.

It became clear that India was on the verge of collapse after they were bowled out for just 157 in their second innings.

At 141/6 on the fourth day, they had no margin for error. In just 7.5 overs, they managed to add only 16 more runs, losing 4 quick wickets. 

This left Australia needing just 162 runs to win.

With such a small target, Australia’s openers, Sam Constance and Usman Khawaja, wasted no time in making progress. 

The pair added 26 runs in just the first two overs. 

Although Constance (22 runs) fell to Prasidh Krishna in 3.5 over, and Marnus Labuschagne (6) followed soon after, Australia still managed to stay in control. 

Prasidh took another wicket, dismissing Steve Smith for just 4 runs, but by then, the game was slipping away from India.

Despite the setbacks, Australia’s partnership between Khawaja and Travis Head proved to be the turning point. 

Together, they added 46 runs off 49 balls. Khawaja (41 runs) was dismissed soon after, but by then, Australia only needed 58 more runs to win, which was a simple task.

Head and debutant Webstir sealed the victory for Australia with a calm 58-run partnership off 53 balls. 

Head remained unbeaten on 34 from 38 balls, and Webstir finished with 39 from 34 balls.

With this comfortable win, Australia now moves on to face South Africa in the World Test Championship final, which will take place at Lord’s on June 11. 

For India, it’s a harsh reminder of how a series of failures at crucial moments has once again denied them the chance to compete for the title. 

After such high expectations, questions about their mental toughness and consistency in big matches will surely follow.