Australia wins 1st WTC cup
Australia beat India by 209 runs, become 1st team to win all major ICC tournaments
London, The Gulf Observer: India’s wait for an elusive ICC title extended as they were humbled by Pat Cummins and Co, by 209 runs in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval on Sunday.
India, who needed 444 to win in the second innings, were bundled out for 234 with Australia wrapping the contest in the opening session of the play on final day. Australia dictated the proceedings from Day 1, with Travis Head and Steve Smith knocking a century each to drive Australia to 469 in the first innings.
The top-order failed to put a show and a gritty 89 by Ajinkya Rahane, with vital contribution from Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja helped India save the follow-on.
India showed signs of comeback in the second innings but a 93-run stand between Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc powered them to 270/8 before declaring the innings.
Chasing 444, India reached 164/3 at the close of play on Day 4. Scott Boland then gave Australia the perfect start on the final day as he got rid of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in the same over. Kohli was caught at slips by Steve Smith for 49, while Jadeja was caught-behind for duck.
Rahane then played a few shots before he was removed by Mitchell Starc for 46.
Shardul Thakur, who scored a half-century in the first innings, failed to open his account this time.
The wickets kept tumbling and it was Nathan Lyon, who inflicted the final blow to seal the match for India.
