Another disappointing performance by the Indian Cricket Team in an ICC Knockout has meant the Trophy extends to a few more months affirmatively with the ICC ODI World Cup slated to take place this year. However, making two back-to-back finals in the World Test Championship has not led to a fruitful climax with Team India ending as Runners-up on both occasions.
The World Test Championship Finale though started off well for India with a win of toss, it did not last long enough for them as Australia dominated one session after another to keep India on their toes throughout the test. Barring three moments, it was extremely difficult to conclude that India had a say or a chance to win the match. India’s commendable comeback with the ball on Day 2 after a tiring and clueless performance on Day 1 was one of the three moments, though Australia had more than enough runs on the board and this bowling comeback appeared to be a bit of late arrival. Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur’s resurgence with the bat after a poor performance from the Indian top-order was another moment which allowed to Indian fans to keep up with their hopes. The third and final moment was during the fourth innings of the WTC Finale where Indian batters had a mountain of runs to climb on but with the pitch flat, one expected the star-studded Indian batting line-up to chase the total down. Gill fell early, but not before providing a steady start with Captain Rohit Sharma, to a controversial catch. Then arrived the Modern wall of Indian Cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara, who along with the skipper built a crucial and strong partnership to keep his team alive in the final. It looked like they were on course to close the day with the loss of just 1 wicket, but pure shot selection from the 2 senior pros meant Australia had won half the battle at the stroke of stumps. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane ensured India does not lose any more wickets thereon and closed the day.
The Final day of the WTC Finale arrived, and all eyes were on Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane as Ravindra Jadeja was the only trusted batsman left to come. The day started off decently for India, but the Indian dressing room was unaware that it was the calmness before the Boland-storm. Scott Boland, arguably the best Aussie bowler in the match and maybe the best overall in the match, got Kohli and Jadeja in consecutive deliveries to derail India further. What followed next was a typical Indian batting collapse, crushing another ICC Title dream.
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