Australia They put in a solid performance in defeat India By 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-legged match. Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. The win not only brought them closer to retaining the trophy, but also dealt a huge blow to India's chances of qualifying for the World Cup. World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 last.
Australian bowling attack stifles India's chase
Setting a tough target of 340 runs to win, India were bowled out for just 155 runs in 79.1 overs on the final day. The Australians were driven by pace and relentless control Pat cumin and Mitchell Starkwho dismantled the Indian top order with incisive bowling. For India, Yashavi Jaiswal He scored the highest goals with 84 balls out of 208, but there were few contributions from the veteran trio Rohit Sharma, Kuala Lumpur Rahul and Virat Kohli has proven to be a killer For India's chances of successfully chasing the target. Rohit, Rahul and Kohli managed scores of 9, 0 and 5 runs respectively, leaving India with no hope of mounting a serious challenge.
The hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship in India have been a huge success
India's defeat had dire repercussions on their hopes of qualifying for WTC 2025. Currently sitting in third place on the WTC points table with a PCT (Percentage of Points Gained) percentage of 52.78%, India's qualifications now depend heavily on external results. To remain in the competition, India must win the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting January 3, 2025.
Until then, they will need Sri Lanka to defeat Australia either 2-0 or 1-0 in the two-match Test series, which begins on January 29, 2025, in Galle. If these conditions are met, India could finish the WTC cycle with a PCT of 55.26%, exceeding Australia's potential maximum of 53.51% and Sri Lanka's 53.85%. However, if India fails to win the Sydney Test or ends up in a draw, their hopes of qualifying for the WTC final will be dashed, with Australia or Sri Lanka taking the remaining places.
Meanwhile, South Africa have already secured their place in the 2025 World Trade Championship final after their defeat Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test of the two-match series at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 29, 2024. This marks South Africa's first-ever appearance in a WTC final, increasing the pressure on India to perform and avoid missing out on the title. The third session in a row.
Read also: Fans react as Australia take a 2-1 lead after thrilling win over India in Boxing Day Test
India's form is getting worse: A failed display from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
India's batting struggles, particularly the inconsistent performances of their senior players, have plagued their campaign since September when the Test season began. Rohit and Kohli, who have been pillars of India's batting line-up, have collectively struggled throughout the series, with Rohit's form particularly worrying. His score of just 31 runs at an average of 6.20 in this series set a new record for the lowest batting average by a touring captain in a Test series in Australia (minimum five innings). Rohit's dismal performance in Melbourne, with scores of 3 and 9, further frustrated the fans. His inability to replicate his “Hitman” character in the series led to… Widespread criticism and backlash on social mediawith calls for his retirement, along with Kohli's, gaining momentum.
