The much-anticipated World Test Championship Final between India and Australia came to a thrilling conclusion at the Oval. The final day presented India with a challenging task of chasing down a formidable total to lift the prestigious WTC mace. The match had reached a crucial stage with India struggling to maintain their position in the game.
Ind vs Aus Test Final Day 5 Highlights, WTC 2023
Kohli and Rahane at the crease
As the fifth day's play began, the focus was on the partnership between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. The two experienced batsmen held the key to India's chances of achieving a remarkable victory. Rahane was already well-settled at the crease, while Kohli was inching closer to his half-century.
Kohli and Rahane's presence at
the wicket gave hope to Indian fans, who were eagerly waiting for a special
performance from their star players. The duo had to navigate through the
initial overs and then capitalize on the 40-over-old ball to mount a successful
chase.
India's uphill battle
India's pursuit of the target
required not just resilience but also monumental performances from the batsmen.
The top-order had faltered in the first innings, and a similar collapse on the
final day could dash India's hopes. Both Kohli and Rahane, being well-settled,
had the responsibility to score big centuries and anchor the innings.
To successfully chase down the
total, India also needed valuable contributions from the lower-order batsmen.
Players like Ravindra Jadeja, KS Bharat, Shardul Thakur, and Umesh Yadav would
need to step up and provide vital runs to support the established batsmen.
Historical context at The Oval
The Oval has witnessed some
memorable cricketing moments over the years. In terms of successful chases in
the fourth innings, the highest total achieved was 263 by England in 1902. This
historical context highlighted the enormity of the task facing India on the
final day of the match.
Australia's victory and India's disappointment
The defeat raised several
questions about India's decisions and performances throughout the match. One
major criticism was the omission of Ravichandran Ashwin, the number one ranked
Test bowler. The decision to replace him with Ravindra Jadeja was heavily
questioned, especially considering Ashwin's proven ability and experience in
such high-stakes matches.
India's bowlers, despite taking
early wickets on Day 1, couldn't capitalize on the momentum and allowed Steve
Smith and Travis Head to form a substantial partnership. Apart from Mohammad
Siraj and Mohammad Shami, the rest of the Indian bowling attack struggled to
contain the Australian batsmen.
In both innings, India's
top-order batting collapsed, with key players like Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli
failing to make significant contributions. Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur
were the exceptions, but their efforts alone were insufficient to turn the tide
in India's favor.
Conclusion
The World Test Championship 2023
Final proved to be a challenging contest for India. The team's campaign was
marred by several mistakes and missed opportunities, which ultimately led to
their defeat. The decisions made by the Indian management and the team's
on-field performances were scrutinized and criticized by fans and experts
alike.
As India reflects on the outcome
of the final, there is a need to identify areas for improvement and learn from
the mistakes. The disappointment of missing out on the WTC mace should serve as
motivation to come back stronger in future competitions.
FAQs
Q. Who won the World Test Championship Final in 2023?
A. Australia defeated India by 209
runs to lift the World Test Championship in 2023.
Q. Why was Ravichandran Ashwin not selected for the WTC Final?
A. The decision to exclude
Ravichandran Ashwin from the playing XI was a subject of criticism and debate.
The Indian management chose to play Ravindra Jadeja instead, which drew mixed
reactions from cricket experts and fans.
Q. What was the highest successful chase at The Oval in the fourth innings?
A. The highest successful chase at
The Oval in the fourth innings was 263 runs, achieved by England in 1902.
Q. How did India's top-order batsmen perform in the WTC Final?
A. India's top-order batting
struggled in the WTC Final, with players like Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli
failing to make a significant impact.
Q. What lessons can India learn from the WTC Final for future tournaments?
A. India should reflect on their decisions and performances in the WTC Final, identifying areas for improvement and learning from their mistakes. It is crucial to assess strategies and selections to ensure better outcomes in future tournaments.
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