Australia has beaten India to win the 2023 World Test Championship once again. The cricket giants swept the match from under team India’s feet with a fantastic 209-run win in the WTC Final at The Oval. It was a team effort that showed how well Australia batted and bowled.
Australia’s dominance in the Test match was established early on, thanks to outstanding centuries by Travis Head and Steve Smith in the first innings. Despite India’s strong response, which pushed the match into a fifth day, they ultimately fell short of achieving an unprecedented record chase to secure a Test victory, as they were eventually bowled out for 234.
The momentum shifted in Australia’s favor right from the beginning of the final day, with Scott Boland making crucial breakthroughs by dismissing two Indian batsmen. Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc also contributed wickets as Australia swiftly dismantled India’s batting lineup, sealing their victory in the 2023 World Test Championship and clinching the prestigious title.
Throughout the 2023 World Test Championship cycle, Australia showcased their dominance, securing the top position in the standings with an impressive record of 11 victories in 19 matches. Notably, Nathan Lyon concluded the campaign as the highest wicket-taker in the Test Championship, further exemplifying Australia’s bowling prowess.
In terms of batting achievements, Australia boasted four players in the top six run-scorers of the WTC cycle. Only Joe Root surpassed the runs accumulated by Usman Khawaja (1621) and Marnus Labuschagne (1576); during the first innings, heroes Travis Head and Steve Smith contributed significantly to Australia’s success with 1407 and 1389 runs, respectively, throughout the Championship. This solid batting performance solidified Australia’s position as a formidable force in the tournament.
India concluded their campaign on a high note, securing the second spot in the standings and earning a place in the final against Australia in south London. However, despite their strong performance, India suffered defeat, marking their second consecutive loss in the 2023 World Test Championship finals since the inception of the tournament.
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The fifth day of the 2023 World Test Championship began with all outcomes still on the table, as Australia aimed to claim seven wickets for victory, while India required an additional 280 runs to achieve a remarkable fourth-innings chase.
The presence of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane at the crease overnight provided a glimmer of hope for India, fueling aspirations of a historic comeback. However, it was Scott Boland who initiated the breakthroughs in the opening hour of play, shifting the momentum in Australia’s favor.
In a critical moment, a tempting delivery from Scott Boland enticed Virat Kohli into a risky drive, resulting in an edge that flew toward the slip cordon. Steve Smith displayed exceptional fielding skills, securing a brilliant catch to dismiss the Indian talisman.
Boland continued his impressive spell as he struck again just two balls later. Delivering an impeccable delivery that moved skillfully, he managed to find the edge of Ravindra Jadeja’s bat. Alex Carey, positioned behind the stumps, gratefully accepted the catch.
The dismissal of Ajinkya Rahane seemed inevitable, and it was only a matter of time before Mitchell Starc made it happen. With wickets tumbling throughout the remaining morning session, Australia efficiently wrapped up the proceedings before the lunch break.
Nathan Lyon joined the action, first trapping Shardul Thakur leg-before-wicket and then contributing to wrapping up the tail-end batsmen.
Mitchell Starc delivered a fiery delivery that dismissed Umesh Yadav, with Alex Carey showcasing exceptional skills by taking a superb catch above his head. Lyon claimed the final two wickets to fall, dismissing KS Bharat and Mohammed Siraj, concluding with impressive figures of 4/41.
India will regret their performance on day one, which puts them at a disadvantage for the rest of the match. On the other hand, Australia’s victory in the 2023 World Test Championship adds the missing piece of major ICC silverware to its illustrious trophy cabinet.