India vs Australia WTC 2023 final highlights: The World Test Championship final between India and Australia has been a gripping contest so far, with both teams fighting hard for the ultimate glory. After four days of intense action, the match is still evenly poised, with India needing 280 more runs to win with seven wickets in hand, while Australia need to take those wickets to lift the trophy.
India vs Australia WTC final highlights
Here are some of the highlights from the first four days of the WTC final:
Day 1: Head and Smith shine for Australia
The first day belonged to Australia, who won the toss and opted to bat first on a green-tinged pitch at The Oval. They lost David Warner early, but Travis Head and Steve Smith put on a masterclass of batting, scoring 163 and 121 respectively. They added 267 runs for the fourth wicket, taking Australia to a commanding position. India fought back with some late wickets, but Australia still finished the day on a high at 369 for five.
Day 2: Australia post 469, India lose top order
Australia continued their dominance on the second day, adding another 100 runs to their total before being bowled out for 469. Head was the last man out for a career-best 163, while Pat Cummins chipped in with a handy 32. For India, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur took two wickets each.
India’s reply got off to a shaky start, as they lost Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli cheaply. Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara steadied the ship with a 68-run stand, but both fell in quick succession towards the end of the day. India ended the day on 151 for five, still trailing by 318 runs.
Day 3: Rahane and Thakur save India from follow-on
The third day saw India stage a remarkable fightback, thanks to Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur. The duo added 109 runs for the seventh wicket, taking India past the follow-on mark. Rahane played a classy knock of 89, while Thakur showed his batting prowess with a gutsy 51. India were eventually dismissed for 296, conceding a lead of 173 runs.
Australia did not enforce the follow-on, and decided to bat again. However, they lost four wickets for 123 runs by stumps, giving India a glimmer of hope. Umesh Yadav struck twice, removing Warner and Usman Khawaja, while Siraj and Thakur accounted for Smith and Head. Marnus Labuschagne was unbeaten on 41, while Cameron Green was on seven. Australia’s lead stood at 296 runs at the end of the day.
Day 4: India chase bravely after Australia set huge target
The fourth day saw Australia extend their lead to a daunting 443 runs before declaring their second innings at 270 for eight. Labuschagne completed his half-century, while Nathan Lyon smashed a quick-fire 32. For India, Ashwin and Jadeja took three wickets each.
India faced a mammoth target of 444 runs to win the match and the title. They started positively, with Rohit Sharma and Pujara adding 78 runs for the second wicket after Gill fell early. However, both batsmen departed in successive overs, leaving India at 97 for three. Kohli and Rahane then joined forces and batted till stumps without any further damage. Kohli was unbeaten on 44, while Rahane was on 20. India ended the day on 164 for three, needing another 280 runs to win on the final day.
Day 5: Australia win by 209 runs, clinch title as India collapse
The fifth and final day saw Australia wrap up the match and the title with a clinical performance with the ball. Scott Boland was the star of the show, taking four wickets in his first spell of the morning. He removed Kohli and Jadeja in quick succession, breaking India’s resistance. Lyon then joined the party with four wickets of his own, including Rahane and Bharat who tried to delay the inevitable. India were bowled out for 234 in their second innings, falling short by 209 runs.
Australia celebrated their first World Test Championship title in style, while India were left to rue their missed opportunities. Travis Head was named the player of the match for his brilliant 163 in the first innings, while Pat Cummins was named the player of the series for his 14 wickets in three matches.
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