India did not make it to the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the first time ever in the competition’s history. Following their appearances in the finals in 2021 and 2023, India will be absent from the Lord’s final in June 2025. India’s departure was confirmed following their defeat in the fifth and last Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by 6 wickets in Sydney on Sunday, January 5.
Australia, having claimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 and ending their decade-long quest for the prestigious trophy, have advanced to the final. Australia is set to compete in a two-match Test series later this month, although the outcome of the series will not influence their prospects.
Australia will face South Africa in the World Test Championship final. Australia has reached their second consecutive final, while South Africa will compete for the Test format’s top prize for the first time.
India required nothing short of a victory in the Sydney Test. Following Rohit Sharma’s decision to withdraw from the series decider, India recorded only 185 runs. Nevertheless, they erupted with intensity, delivering a performance that dismissed Australia for 181 on a Sydney surface that favored the seam bowlers like never before. India struggled to handle the significant seam movement, getting bowled out for 157 in their second innings and leaving Australia with a modest target of 161.
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To India’s disappointment, Jasprit Bumrah, who led the bowling assault with 32 wickets in the series, could not bowl in their final innings because of a back injury. India put up a strong fight, claiming four wickets, but it wasn’t sufficient as Australia chased down 162 with six wickets remaining and secured the Test victory in the second session on Day 3.
