Australia staged a commanding efficiency to defeat India by 184 runs on the Melbourne Cricket Floor (MCG) on Monday, taking a vital 2-1 lead within the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 collection. The victory not solely introduced them nearer to retaining the trophy but in addition dealt a big blow to India’s probabilities of qualifying for the World Take a look at Championship (WTC) 2023- 2025 last.
Australia’s bowling assault stifles India’s chase
Set a frightening goal of 340 runs to win, India was bowled out for simply 155 runs in 79.1 overs on the ultimate day. The Australians’ relentless tempo and management had been led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who dismantled the Indian high order with incisive bowling. For India, Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with a gritty 84 off 208 balls, however the lack of contributions from the seasoned trio of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli proved deadly to India’s probabilities of chasing down the goal efficiently. Rohit, Rahul and Kohli managed scores of 9, 0, and 5 runs, respectively, leaving India with no hope of mounting a critical problem.
India’s World Take a look at Championship qualification hopes take a large hit
India’s defeat has had extreme repercussions for his or her WTC 2025 qualification hopes. At the moment positioned third on the WTC factors desk with a PCT (Share of Factors Earned) of 52.78%, India’s qualification is now extremely depending on exterior outcomes. To remain in rivalry, India should win the fifth Take a look at on the Sydney Cricket Floor beginning January 3, 2025.
Even then, they’ll want Sri Lanka to defeat Australia both 2-0 or 1-0 of their two-match Take a look at collection, which begins on January 29, 2025, in Galle. If these circumstances are met, India may end the WTC cycle with a PCT of 55.26%, surpassing Australia’s potential most of 53.51% and Sri Lanka’s 53.85%. Nevertheless, if India fails to win the Sydney Take a look at or it ends in a draw, their hopes of qualifying for the WTC last will likely be dashed, with Australia or Sri Lanka taking the remaining spots.
In the meantime, South Africa have already secured their place within the WTC 2025 last by defeating Pakistan by two wickets within the first Take a look at of their two-match collection at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 29, 2024. This marks South Africa’s first-ever look within the WTC last, rising the strain on India to carry out and keep away from lacking out for a 3rd consecutive cycle.
Additionally READ: Followers react as Australia go 2-1 up after dramatic win over India within the Boxing Day Take a look at
India’s type worsens: Flop present from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
India’s batting struggles, notably their senior gamers’ inconsistent performances, have plagued their marketing campaign since September when the Take a look at season started. Rohit and Kohli, as soon as pillars of India’s batting lineup, have collectively struggled all through the collection, with Rohit’s type being notably regarding. His mixture of simply 31 runs at a median of 6.20 on this collection has set a brand new file for the bottom batting common for a touring captain in a Take a look at collection in Australia (minimal 5 innings). Rohit’s dismal displaying in Melbourne, with scores of three and 9, additional intensified the followers’ frustration. His lack of ability to copy his ‘Hitman’ persona within the collection has led to widespread criticism and social media backlash, with requires his retirement, alongside Kohli, gaining traction.
