LONDON, June 11:
The widely-followed and much-loved Indian cricket team lost yet again when it mattered the most, the country’s calibrated youth structure, the multiple superstars, and the presence of a legend in support staff coming to naught for the sport’s financial powerhouse.
India’s underwhelming record in ICC tournaments continued with a 209-run hammering by Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final here on Sunday.
Australian pacer Scott Boland produced a bowling spell of rare quality to get rid of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in the same over, effectively shutting the door on India, who were bowled out for 234 in their second innings on the final day at The Oval.
Australia were clearly the better team on all fronts while India had only themselves to blame for yet another loss in a global event. India’s last ICC title came way back in 2013 and it was their second successive defeat in the WTC final, having gone down against New Zealand two years ago.
India lost seven wickets for the addition of 70 runs on the final day.
Australia thus became the first team to win all ICC titles. The Aussies won the ODI World Cup in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015. It has also also claimed the ICC Champions Trophy in successive editions in 2006 and 2009.
Australia had ended its T20 World Cup title drought during the 2021 edition held in the United Arab Emirates, beating New Zealand in the final under the leadership of Aaron Finch.
While the non selection of R Aswhin was the big talking point on the opening day, India lost the title contest mainly due to the failure of their high-profile batting line-up.
The top four comprising Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara and Kohli failed to deliver in the high-stake game.
Brief Score: Australia 469 and 270/8 declared
India 296 and 234 all out in 63.3 overs (Virat Kohli 49, Rohit Sharma 43, Ajinkya Rahane 43; Nathan Lyon 4/41, Scott Boland 3/46). (PTI)
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