Australian captain Pat Cummins added the impressive Border-Gavaskar trophy to the glittering cabinet after the hosts secured a six-wicket win against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday. Australia claimed the elusive trophy after a long gap of 10 years as they delivered as a unit.
India gave a target of 162 runs after the last four wickets could only add 16 runs on the third day’s morning. The visitors had their work cut out as they were already missing the services of Jasprit Bumrah, who didn’t take the field due to a back injury.
Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja added 39 runs for the opening alliance as Indian bowlers started poorly. Khawaja scored a crucial knock of 41 runs and any hopes of India’s fightback were extinguished by Travis Head and Beau Webster – who scored 34 and 39 runs respectively.
Pat Cummins said in the post-match presentation, “Unreal. Few of us didn’t have this Trophy. Lived up to all the hype. Just been clear with our plans. We tried to be proactive, but it ultimately worked out. Immensely proud. We weren’t at our best at Perth. We had a lot of fun playing alongside each other. I love playing with these guys—such a special group. Feel privileged to be part of such a team. Really proud of what we have achieved. Always nice to have a squad. Three debutants in this series fitted in well. They contributed in different times.”
Meanwhile, Pat Cummins was able to lead from the front as he picked five wickets in the Sydney Test, including crucial breakthroughs of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar on the third day. Cummins also ended as the second-highest wicket-taker of the series with 25 scalps in five games. Furthermore, he scored 159 runs in eight innings and added pivotal runs down the order.
Cummins added, “Pretty happy with how I played. I had a fresh up coming into this series. These are the big series you prepare for. Some keen moments when our main stays really stood up. You need to do that to beat a side like India. Our guys put their hands up. Would go down one of my most favourite Test series.”
The Australian skipper also gave his gratitude to the opposition and the fans for turning up in huge numbers throughout the series.
Cummins concluded, “Thanks to Rohit and Jasprit. The fans made the series. Every venue was incredible. MCG was off its head. Three sell outs in three days here at Sydney. Shows why Test cricket is so special and why we love playing it so much. Seeing everyone turning out in pink and celebrating an amazing cause is a great way to kick start the year.”
With this win, Australia has qualified for the WTC final, where they will face South Africa.
