The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has seen four intense Tests, with India and Australia battling fiercely. While both teams gave their all, Australia seized the key moments, gaining the upper hand and moving closer to an ICC WTC final spot.

India’s road to the WTC final in June against South Africa has become steeper. They must win the upcoming Sydney Test and rely on Sri Lanka to sweep Australia 2-0. The 184-run loss in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, despite a valiant fight, has made the task even harder.

Australia dominated the first innings, led by Steven Smith’s superb century. Debutant Sam Konstas impressed with a solid 60, while Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne contributed crucial half-centuries. Their efforts powered Australia to a formidable total of 474. Jasprit Bumrah shone for India, claiming four wickets in another stellar display.

India’s response got off to a rocky start with Rohit Sharma departing early. KL Rahul showed promise but failed to capitalize on his start. Yashasvi Jaiswal stood out with a classy 82, only to be dismissed via an unfortunate run-out. A sudden collapse from 153/2 to 159/5 left India in serious trouble.

The partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar provided some much-needed relief for India. The pair added 127 runs, with Sundar contributing a resilient 50. Nitish, in his debut Test series, impressed with a brilliant century. India finished at 369, trailing Australia by 105 runs.

In Australia’s second innings, the Indian bowlers fired on all cylinders. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc, reducing Australia to 91/6. However, the Australian lower order, led by Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland, pushed the total to 234. Bumrah bagged another five-wicket haul, while Siraj took three wickets.

India fought valiantly in their quest for a draw, with Yashasvi Jaiswal leading the charge once again. However, Australia’s bowlers held their nerve to secure a win, giving the Aussies a 2-1 series lead. India now faces a must-win situation in Sydney to keep their WTC final hopes alive.

India’s recent record at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) offers hope but also underscores the challenges ahead. Their last two matches at the venue ended in draws. In 2021, a heroic defensive effort from Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Rishabh Pant saved the game. In 2019, Pant’s brilliant century put India close to victory, but rain thwarted their chances.