Bumrah-less India fail to defend Border-Gavaskar series title as Australia win finale by 6 wickets

Australia secured a resounding six-wicket victory in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar series, taking advantage of a Jasprit Bumrah-less Indian attack on day three in Sydney. With this win, Australia also reclaimed the coveted trophy, first time in 10 years, denying India the chance to defend their title successfully.

Australia won the series 3-1 and qualified for the World Test Championship finale.

India, grappling with a back spasm to their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, set Australia a modest target of 162 runs after being bowled out for 157 in their second innings.


Battling the injury sustained on day two, Bumrah, who had been the standout performer of the series with 32 wickets, was unavailable to bowl on Sunday. He spent more than three hours off the field on Saturday and did not take the ball in the critical final innings.

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Resuming their second innings at 141 for six, India collapsed quickly on the third morning, adding just 16 runs to their overnight total. Scott Boland wreaked havoc, claiming a stunning six-wicket haul (6/45), while Pat Cummins supported him with tight bowling to clean up the tail.

With Bumrah absent, India's bowling attack faltered under pressure. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who opened the bowling in Bumrah's absence, struggled to find their rhythm, conceding 35 runs in the first three overs. Australia's openers made the most of the erratic bowling, setting a solid foundation for the chase.

However, India recovered with Krishna picking three wickets in quick succession. But Australians, who were going solid with the bat, failed India's efforts with the ball.

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India’s batting woes have continued throughout the series. After managing just 185 in the first innings, the visitors crumbled under pressure in the second. Despite a fighting 61 from Rishabh Pant, the middle and lower order offered little resistance against Australia’s disciplined attack.

Brief Scores:

India 1st Innings: 185
Australia 1st Innings: 181
India 2nd Innings: 157 all out in 39.5 overs (Rishabh Pant 61, Scott Boland 6/45)
Australia 2nd Innings: 163/4