Australia beat India by 209 runs in the World Test Championship (WTC) Finals today at The Oval in England. Remember in the last WTC finals it was New Zealand that defeated the same Indian team in England. In this blog post, let’s explore the thrilling key moments of the WTC Final 2023 cricket match between Australia and India.
Important Moments of the WTC Final
A Selection Gamble
Before the match even began, there was a big talking point when India decided not to include their top-ranked Test bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin, in the playing XI. This selection was consistent with India’s strategy in English conditions.
While Ashwin’s presence could have made a difference, other players like Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur performed well, making it uncertain if the outcome would have changed with Ashwin on the field.
Missed Opportunities
India won the toss and chose to bowl first due to cloudy conditions and a green-tinged wicket. However, they didn’t fully capitalize on the favourable conditions.
Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj bowled well at times but missed opportunities to exploit Travis Head’s batting with short-pitched deliveries. The change bowlers, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur, struggled to find their lengths consistently in the first session.
A Mammoth Partnership
The second half of the opening day witnessed a key partnership that shaped the match. Travis Head’s aggressive batting put India on the back foot as he and Steve Smith scored a remarkable 285-run partnership.
Their dominance ensured that Australia remained ahead throughout the game, and batting became increasingly challenging for both teams.
Breathtaking Moments
On the second day, two remarkable moments occurred when Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara were dismissed by identical deliveries and unwise leaves.
Scott Boland, a relatively inexperienced player, bowled a brilliant delivery that confused Gill, crashing into the top of the middle and off stump.
Cameron Green replicated the same for Pujara, leaving both batsmen in disbelief.
Counterattacking Efforts
Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur’s counterattacking partnership of 109 runs in the first innings minimized India’s losses after the top four batsmen fell cheaply.
Rahane’s resilient comeback knock of 89 showcased his skill, while Thakur’s half-century displayed his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Both players enhanced their chances of securing a spot in the Indian team.
Clutch Catches
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green deserves praise for his exceptional catches. He took an outrageous grab to dismiss Ajinkya Rahane in the first innings.
Green’s remarkable athleticism was further displayed when he caught Shubman Gill in the second innings, despite debates about whether the ball touched the ground.
Alex Carey’s Impact
Although often overlooked, wicketkeeper Alex Carey played crucial roles in both innings. His tidy 48 runs in the first innings helped Australia set a commanding total.
In the second innings, Carey’s composed half-century of 66* halted India’s momentum and ensured Australia’s declaration plan went smoothly, setting up a mammoth target.
Australia’s Dominance
Heading into the final day, Australia needed early wickets to secure victory. They rose to the challenge brilliantly. Scott Boland dismissed Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession, demonstrating exceptional line and length.
Mitchell Starc’s fiery pace combined with Nathan Lyon’s spin sealed the deal, taking seven wickets in a single session. Australia’s dominant performance showcased their deserving claim to the ICC World Test Championship Mace.
A Reminder
Just a reminder why both India and Australia were playing the finals. See below table from the league matches stage of the WTC. This series was being played during the period 2021-2023.
Conclusion
In this exciting WTC Final, Australia’s strategic decisions, outstanding partnerships, clutch catches, and dominant bowling display led them to triumph over India. Australia’s latest triumph in the ICC World Test Championship marked their ninth ICC title, cementing their status as the only team to have won every prestigious trophy on offer. With five ODI World Cups, two ODI Champions Trophies, one T20 World Cup, and now the World Test Championship, Australia stands unrivalled in their remarkable achievements across all formats of the game. Their consistent dominance on the global stage is a testament to their exceptional cricketing prowess and relentless pursuit of success.