India failed to conquer the eventual obstacle against Australia in the final of World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 as they suffered a 209-run heartbreaking loss at the Oval. The Aussies wrapped Team India for 234 runs in the chase of 444 on Day 5.
India resumed the day at 164 for three needing another 280 runs for an improbable win. Chasing a record total, Indian fans went into Day 5 high on hope with Virat Kohli (49) and Ajinkya Rahane (46) walking into the middle. However, Scott Boland removed Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja (0) in the seventh over of the morning and gave Australia the perfect start. Rahane then played a few shots before he was sent back by Mitchell Starc.
Shardul Thakur, who scored a half-century in the first innings, failed to open his account this time. The wickets kept tumbling, and it was Nathan Lyon who inflicted the final blow.
In the aftermath of the match, Rohit Sharma was asked about the possible changes in the format of WTC Final. The Indian skipper opined that the summit clash of the tournament need not be one game.
“I would love that. But is there a time? That’s the big question. But honestly, in a big event like this, you need to have fair opportunities to both the teams. You know, a three-match series would be nice, but it’s about finding that window where it can be fit in. But I would love to have – in an event like this, you work hard for two years and then you have only one shot at it,” Rohit said at the post-match press conference.
Rohit insisted that Test cricket is all about finding ‘rhythm’ and reckoned that it would be ideal for both teams to play a three-match series next time around.
“So, it’s not really – you cannot get into that momentum that you need in Test cricket. You know, Test cricket is all about finding that rhythm, finding that momentum as well. So, I think, yeah if in the next cycle, if it is possible, three match series would be ideal,” Rohit added.
Earlier, in 2021, Kohli also stressed about having a three-match series instead of one game to decide the winner.
“I am not in absolute agreement of deciding the best Test side in the world over the course of one game. If it is a Test series, it has to be a test of character over three Tests – which team has the ability to come back in the series, or totally blow away the other team. It can’t just be pressure applied over two days of good cricket and then you suddenly you are not a good Test side anymore. I don’t believe in it,” Kohli said after the 2021 WTC Final loss.
Meanwhile, India reached the finals of the Test Championship on both occasions but fell short to crossed the finish line. Kane Williamson’s New Zealand defeated the Kohli-led side by eight wickets in the 2021 edition’s final. And now the Aussies kept India at bay with a comprehensive victory.
