Day 5 started with both teams struggling initially, Pat Cummins‘ decision to stick with the right-arm pacer Scott Boland paid off as he took the key wicket of Virat Kohli. Pat Cummins‘ marshaled his troops smartly. India lost its last bidding hopes and the Aussies clinch a massive triumph against India by 209 runs.
After losing by a large margin Indian Captain Rohit Sharma claims that it should be rather a three-test match series than a one-off as all the hard work and determination of the Indian team from the past few months went in vain.
“We worked hard and we fought, but we played just 1 game. I think a 3-match series would be ideal in the next WTC cycle,” said Rohit Sharma.
To counterattack his statement Pat Cummins the skipper of Australia, pointed out the summit clashes of the Olympics and Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Football League.
“The Win Here But To Make It To The Final You’ve Got To Win Everywhere In The World..” – Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins contradicts his counterpart Rohit Sharma, also mentioned that the win here, is the display of the hardwork and determination of the Australian team. He stated after the match:
“I think it’s fine. No qualms. I think ideally you’d have 50-match series but the olympics have come down to one race to win a gold medal. AFL, NRL seasons have finals. That’s sport.” Cummins said.
“The win here but to make it to the final you’ve got to win everywhere in the world. I think this cycle was 20 test matches. I think we might have only lost three or four and out of the 20 the boys were fantastic the whole way through. We adapted well and that’s what makes it so satisfying,” Cummins added.
ICC WTC Finals, Day 5 Highlights:
Day 5 started with a glimmer of hopes for India, as Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane looked solid on the crease and remained unbeaten by the end of the day 4. However, the aspirations were quickly crumbled as the mighty Aussies asserted their ascendancy with the bowl. Scott Boland bestowed Australia with the early breakthrough by getting rid of Kohli and Jadeja in the same over. Kohli was caught by Steven Smith on the slip while Jadeja was caught-behind by the wicketkeeper Alex Carrey.
Despite a 33 run partnership between Rahane and KS Bharat, Australia’s bowling remain relentless, as Rahane fell to Mitchell Starc in the 57th over.
Followed by Rahane’s departure Shardul Thakur who played remarkable in the first innings, failed to open his account this time, as he was ousted by Nathan Lyon in the following over. Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Siraj both were dismissed in a rapid succession sealing Australia’s triumph against India.
Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland were the standout bowlers for Australia, their commendable bowling facilitated Australia to win the ICC World Test Championship Finals.