The Indian Cricket Team’s relentless pursuit of an ICC trophy faced another setback when they were defeated by Australia in the final of the ICC World Test Championship 2023. Meanwhile, Australia solidified their status as the sole holder of all ICC trophies in men’s cricket.
Australia achieved a historic feat by becoming the first men’s team to conquer all major ICC tournaments. Their remarkable achievements include winning the ODI World Cup in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2015, as well as consecutive triumphs in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2006 and 2009.
Furthermore, Australia ended their drought in the T20 World Cup by clinching the 2021 edition held in the United Arab Emirates. Under the leadership of Aaron Finch, they emerged victorious in the final against New Zealand.
India’s Fourth Loss in an ICC Final since 2013
In stark contrast, India suffered their fourth defeat in an ICC final since their last title win, the 2013 Champions Trophy. They also finished as runners-up in the 2014 T20 World Cup, the 2017 Champions Trophy, and the previous edition of the WTC, which was won by New Zealand in 2021.
Right from the outset, Pat Cummins and his teammates asserted their dominance, amassing 469 runs in the first innings, thanks to exceptional performances by Travis Head and Steve Smith. The Indian bowlers fought hard against the Australian onslaught, with Siraj being the standout performer, claiming four wickets. However, the rest of the bowlers delivered below-par performances, managing to dismiss all of Cummins’ batters for 469 runs.
In response, Rohit Sharma and team failed to establish a solid foundation. While Ajinkya Rahane’s resilient 89 and Shardul Thakur’s fighting 51 kept them in the game, they eventually succumbed to the superior bowling of the Australians, being bowled out for 296. Skipper Cummins accounted for three Indian batsmen, while Smith contributed with two wickets for 44 runs.
As Australia began their third innings, they already held a significant lead and added another 270 runs to their total. Alex Carey’s valiant 66 and Mitchell Starc’s useful 41 propelled them forward. Eventually, they declared their innings at 270 for the loss of eight wickets, setting India a target of 444 runs for victory. Unfortunately, the Indian team crumbled under pressure, managing only 234 runs, despite contributions from Virat Kohli (49) and Ajinkya Rahane (46).
Nathan Lyon’s spin wizardry paid off handsomely as he claimed a four-wicket haul in the final innings, while Scott Boland, who made headlines with his sensational catch of Shubman Gill, took three wickets.
With this defeat, India’s long-awaited dream of securing their first ICC trophy in years has come to an end, while Australia solidifies their status as a cricketing powerhouse, possessing all ICC trophies in their illustrious collection.
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