Lords will host the world test final in June
In a five-test series that will be remembered for decades, Australia triumphed over India by wrapping up a six wicket win at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
In doing so, they clinched their spot in the Ultimate Test at Lord’s from 11 to 15 June where they will meet South Africa in a week-long celebration of the longest format in cricket at the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lords.
The hosts, inspired by first change bowler Scott Boland who took ten wickets in the match, ended India’s batting resistance early on day three.
With 162 needed for victory, India lost their discipline early by conceding 12 runs in extras in the opening three overs. Openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja also exploited the weak bowling and laid the foundations for the successful chase.
The Aussies then strolled over the line by six wickets thanks to a rallying partnership between debutant Beau Webster (39*) and Travis Head (34*). Webster finished his debut test with 96 runs and a test average of 96.00
The win sees Australia consolidate second position in the ICC WTC standings with 63.73 percentage points, and barring any significant points deductions in remaining Tests, they move out of India’s reach (50.00) and Sri Lanka (45.45).
The Proteas locked up qualification in last week’s dramatic victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Centurion.
In Londion, Australia defend their 2023 crown and South Africa aim to win their first ICC silverware in over a quarter of a century since their post-apartheid return to world sport.
Reflecting on the significance of their qualification for the World Test Championship Final, Australia captain, Cummins said:
“To hold the (Border-Gavaskar) Trophy is an amazing feeling, and the extra layer is now securing a spot in the World Test Championship Final, which was always a huge goal for us in this cycle.
“We talk about the World Test Championship a lot. It’s a trophy we’re really proud to hold so we want to go back and defend it.
“I think it’s a great tournament in that you’ve got to play well consistently and across all different conditions against different teams. We can’t wait to get over there.”
India were without talisman bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the Aussie chase and the inexperience and nerves of the reserve bowlers let them down.
Remaining fixtures in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25:
17 January – Pakistan v West Indies, Multan
25 January – Pakistan v West indies, Multan
29 January – Sri Lanka v Australia, Galle
6 February – Sri Lanka v Australia, Galle
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