India vs Australia Day 5 WTC Final 2023
The final match of the World Test Championship is currently underway between India and Australia. As the match enters its fifth day, the stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. IND Vs AUS WTC Highlights 2023.
Australia has set a daunting target of 444 runs for India to chase in order to secure victory. The Indian team concluded the fourth day’s play at a score of 164 runs for the loss of three wickets, with a challenging task ahead of them – they need 280 runs to win on the final day.
Halfway through Day 5
The fifth day of the match commenced with hopes and expectations from both teams. However, the Indian team faced an early setback as half of their side returned to the pavilion with a score of 179 runs. Ravindra Jadeja, who failed to score a single run, was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey off the bowling of Scott Boland. With this dismissal, the Indian team finds itself in a precarious situation. The chances of a victory seem bleak, and the mountain to climb appears almost insurmountable. Ajinkya Rahane stands at the crease alongside Srikar Bharat, with the team’s score at 184 for five wickets after 48 overs. IND Vs AUS WTC Highlights 2023.
Virat Kohli’s Dismissal
The hopes of the Indian team suffered another blow when their captain, Virat Kohli, fell after contributing 49 runs to the team’s total. Kohli, who displayed a fine touch with the bat, played an innings that included seven boundaries. However, he attempted to play a shot outside the off-stump, only to be caught brilliantly by Steve Smith off the bowling of Scott Boland. IND Vs AUS WTC Highlights 2023.
Start of the Fifth Day’s Play
The fifth day’s play commenced at the Oval ground with Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli at the crease for India. Both batsmen adopted a cautious approach, recognizing the significance of their partnership. Virat Kohli, nearing his half-century, showcased his determination to steer the team towards victory. At the end of 42 overs, India’s score stood at 168 for three, with Rahane and Kohli consolidating the innings.
Recap of the Match So Far
Looking back at the match from its inception, it was Indian captain Rohit Sharma who won the toss and elected to field first. The Australian team, batting first, faced an early setback when Mohammad Siraj dismissed Usman Khawaja without him scoring a run.
After Loses two wickets
David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne then stitched together a partnership of 69 runs for the second wicket before Warner was caught by Shardul Thakur off the bowling of Srikar Bharat, the wicketkeeper. By lunch on the first day, Australia had reached a score of 73 runs, losing two wickets. IND Vs AUS WTC Highlights 2023.
End Of First Day
The post-lunch session witnessed Mohammed Shami clean-bowling Marnus Labuschagne for 26 runs. However, Travis Head and Steve Smith exhibited outstanding batting prowess, preventing any further wickets from falling throughout the day. By the end of the first day’s play, Australia had amassed a score of 327 for three wickets.
Five Wicket Lose
The second day witnessed a remarkable comeback by the Indian bowlers, as Australia’s innings concluded with a total of 469 runs. Travis Head’s impressive innings of 163 came to an end, while Steve Smith scored his 31st Test century with 121 runs. In their response, India struggled in the top order and ended the day at 151 runs for the loss of five wickets.
Rahane Performance
On the third day, India’s Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur displayed resilience, forging a partnership that saved India from following on. Rahane scored 89 runs, while Shardul contributed a valuable 51 runs. Subsequently, India’s first innings concluded at 296 runs, trailing Australia by 173 runs. In the second innings, Australia had a modest start, losing early wickets. However, they managed to set a target of 444 runs for India after declaring at a score of 270 for eight wickets.
India’s Chase
Chasing a daunting target of 444 runs in the fourth innings, the Indian team commenced their innings positively. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill established a solid foundation, forging a partnership of 41 runs. Unfortunately, Gill’s dismissal on a personal score of 18 runs under controversial circumstances disrupted the team’s progress. Rohit Sharma contributed a well-played 43 runs before falling victim to Nathan Lyon’s bowling. Cheteshwar Pujara, the team’s rock in Test cricket, scored 27 runs before being dismissed by Pat Cummins.
Required 280 runs
The partnership between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane breathed new life into the Indian innings, keeping the team’s hopes alive. At the close of the fourth day’s play, India reached a score of 164 for three, with Kohli batting on 44 and Rahane on 20 runs. The team requires an additional 280 runs on the final day to secure a victory against Australia.
The final day of the World Test Championship between India and Australia is poised for an exhilarating finish. Despite facing numerous challenges, the Indian team has shown resilience and determination in their pursuit of victory.
The performances of players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane have kept the team’s hopes alive. However, the Australian team, with its formidable bowling attack, stands between India and success. Cricket fans around the world eagerly await the conclusion of this enthralling match, which will decide the champion of the World Test Championship.