As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy enters its final chapter, India and Australia are set to clash in the fifth and final test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3. With Australia leading the series 2-1 after a historic Boxing Day Test victory, the stakes are high for both teams.
Ahead of the decisive match, the two sides attended a New Year’s reception hosted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. A video from the event, which surfaced on social media, shows Indian star Virat Kohli enjoying time with Australian players Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja. Despite their fierce on-field rivalry, the players exhibited mutual respect and camaraderie off the field.
The video has garnered attention amidst ongoing discussions surrounding Virat Kohli, who was fined 20% of his match fee for a shoulder barge with Sam Konstas during the previous Test. The incident attracted criticism from Australian media and triggered a wave of online trolling.
India’s Focus Shifts to Sydney
Australia’s commanding position in the series has strengthened their bid for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. They need just a draw or a win in the Sydney Test to secure their spot, with South Africa already having qualified.
India, however, face an uphill battle. Despite a gritty 82-run knock from Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Boxing Day Test, a shaky start and controversial decisions cost them the match.
The Sydney Test is now a must-win for India to keep their WTC hopes alive, while also relying on Sri Lanka’s performance in their Test series against Australia.
Key Players and Challenges
India’s batting continues to falter, with both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggling for form. Kohli’s lone century in the first Test has been his only significant contribution so far.
On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah has been exceptional, leading the attack with 29 wickets in the series and proving to be a consistent threat to the Australian batsmen.
The Boxing Day Test itself was a landmark event, breaking attendance records and delivering an electrifying spectacle. As the teams prepare for Sydney, the cricketing world waits eagerly to see whether India can script a dramatic comeback or if Australia will seal their dominance in the series.
