AUS vs IND, 5th Test: Head, Webster help Australia reclaim Border-Gavaskar Trophy

One man’s absence was massively felt. Jasprit Bumrah has been a central thread binding together the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, influencing its every twist and turn. But once the Indian skipper and spearhead grappled with a back spasm, the visitors were down for the count.

In a contest of fine margins, Australia prevailed with two days to spare. On the third day, after bowling out India for 157 in its second innings and chasing 162 for a triumph, the host posted 162 for four. The six-wicket victory in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday afternoon, helped Pat Cummins and his men to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 3-1 margin.

Australia’s pursuit flourished initially as both Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna were guilty of bowling wayward lines. The odd half-volley was peddled too and Siraj’s first over went for 13. India acutely missed Bumrah, who witnessed the meltdown from the pavilion.

India’s Jasprit Bumrah, left, shakes hands with Australia’s captain Pat Cummins following the fifth cricket test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
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AP

In a low-scoring game, the last thing a fielding captain needs is a wide going for four byes. And it all happened while Sam Konstas tucked into Siraj. The impetuous opener, however, failed to restrain himself against Prasidh and a miscued hoick offered India an opportunity.

Australia 39 for one with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne pressing forward. The latter struck a four off Prasidh and then got a touch too ambitious and lashed one to an alert Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully. Next man Steve Smith with his exaggerated shuffle across the stumps tried to linger but when Prasidh extracted steep bounce, the former Australian captain got into a tangle and popped one towards a diving Jaiswal. Australia 58 for three and hope stirred within the Indian ranks.

But there were no further alarms till lunch and the host was placed on 71. After the break, Khawaja and Travis Head motored on. The former hit two past the ropes but against the run of play, his half-hearted pull off Siraj yielded an edge. Australia 104 for four and very much in the saddle.

India’s Virat Kohli, left, shakes congratulates Australia’s Beau Webster, right, as Travis Head looks on following play in the fifth cricket test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
AP

Travis Head and Beau Webster then sauntered towards the target. Travis drove and hustled, Webster pulled with ease and when he drilled Washington Sundar down the ground for four and clenched his fist, Australia was home.

In the morning, and at a venue awash in the pink shade as a tribute to the McGrath Foundation’s cancer awareness drive, India resumed at the overnight 141 for six, and lasted a mere 8.5 overs. Ravindra Jadeja after punching Cummins for four, nibbled at another delivery and watched the ball sail into Alex Carey’s gloves. And Siraj walked in as Bumrah preferred to rest his back.

Meanwhile, Washington had no clue to a Cummins stump-destroyer, more a missile than a delivery, and India was gasping. Finally Bumrah strode towards the pitch while Siraj fidgeted around. The latter edged and left, the former took a wild swipe. An edge was brushed, stumps were knocked and Scott Boland had six wickets in his kitty. This was Australia’s Sunday.