Australia ended their decade-long drought to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, clinching their first series win since the 2014-15 edition in the afternoon session on Day three at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
This victory also secured their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the second consecutive time, where they are set to face South Africa for the coveted mace, barring any over-rate penalties.
The WTC final will take place on June 11, 2025 at Lord's Cricket Ground.
Australia's debutant Beau Webster and the ever-reliable Travis Head guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 58-run partnership, overcoming a small target of 162 runs.
India’s bowling unit struggled in the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was sidelined due to a back spasm.
While Prasidh Krishna briefly reignited India’s hopes with three quick strikes late in the morning session, Head and Webster quickly extinguished them.
The day began with Australian pacers Scott Boland and Pat Cummins dismantling India’s overnight resistance.
Cummins accounted for Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar with masterful seam movement.
Jadeja edged one that shaped away, while Sundar was bowled by a delivery that darted back in.
Boland completed his six-wicket haul by removing Mohammed Siraj and cleaning up Bumrah, leaving the SCG crowd roaring with delight as Australia wrapped up India’s innings within 7.5 overs of the morning session.
Set a modest target, Australia’s chase began with uneven bounce creating some discomfort for the batters.
Prasidh Krishna’s breakthroughs—removing Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith—briefly brought India back into the contest.
Labuschagne’s mistimed shot to gully and Smith’s dismissal, courtesy of sharp bounce and a diving catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal, were highlights of India’s spirited defense.
However, India’s lack of a third frontline pacer proved costly as the bowlers struggled to maintain intensity post-lunch.
Mohammed Siraj did manage to dismiss Usman Khawaja, but the duo of Webster and Head took control thereafter.
With 91 runs still required after lunch, Webster and Head’s steady partnership capitalized on India’s tiring bowlers.
Boundaries flowed freely as the pair steadily chipped away at the target. After the drinks break, Webster fittingly sealed the win with a boundary off Washington Sundar, sparking celebrations in the Australian camp.