In a remarkable turnaround from missing out on the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship Final, Australia, led by Pat Cummins, emerged as the champions of the marquee tournament with a resounding 209-run win over India in the 2023 finale at The Oval on Sunday.
With this emphatic victory, Australia secured their ninth ICC title and etched their name in history as the first team in men's international cricket to win all major trophies. The foundation for their triumph was laid on Day One of the five-day match, as Travis Head (163) and Steve Smith (121) forged an outstanding 285-run partnership after Australia were put in to bat by India.
Entering the fifth day's play at 164/3 in 40 overs, India harbored hopes of staging the highest-ever successful chase in the fourth innings of a Test match, with Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane displaying intent in their fourth-wicket partnership.
However, Scott Boland delivered a crucial blow to India's aspirations by dismissing Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in the span of three balls during the 47th over. This proved to be the decisive knockout punch from Australia. Despite some resistance from Rahane and KS Bharat, India eventually succumbed, getting bowled out for 234 in 63.3 overs, extending their agonizing 10-year wait for an ICC trophy.
Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon emerged as the standout performer among the Australian bowlers, claiming an impressive 4-41 in the second innings. Boland provided valuable support with figures of 3-46, while Mitchell Starc contributed with 2-77. Captain Pat Cummins also added a wicket to his name as Australia lifted the highly coveted Mace, the only silverware missing from their extensive collection of trophies.
Brief scores: Australia 469 and 270/8d beat India 296 and 234 in 63.3 overs (Virat Kohli 49, Ajinkya Rahane 46; Nathan Lyon 4-41, Scott Boland 3-41) by 209 runs