Australia Clinches Boxing Day Test Win to Lead Series 2-1
Australia achieved an incredible 184-run victory over India in the fourth Test of the ongoing five-match series at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday. This remarkable win sees Pat Cummins’ side take a 2-1 lead, with one of the previous matches ending in a draw. With this triumph, Australia is now on the brink of securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final for the second consecutive time. Furthermore, the Aussies are also eyeing a comeback to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India has held since 2017.
Match Summary – Australia vs India (4th Test, Sydney)
| Team | Runs | Wickets | Best Performers | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 400 & 232 | 10 | Pat Cummins (3/28), Nathan Lyon (2/37) | Strong bowling performance in the final innings |
| India | 286 & 162 | 10 | Yashasvi Jaiswal (88), Rishabh Pant (30) | 88-run partnership between Jaiswal and Pant |
Australia Nearing World Test Championship Final Spot
Following the victory, Australia is now firmly in control of their WTC destiny. The reigning champions are in second place on the World Test Championship standings and need only one win from their three remaining Tests in this cycle to join South Africa in the 2025 WTC Final at Lord’s.
Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins Star on Final Day
Australia’s victory was built on a strong all-round performance, with captain Pat Cummins leading the charge on day five. He claimed 3 wickets for 28 runs, playing a pivotal role in dismantling India’s batting lineup. Cummins delivered a brilliant spell before lunch that shifted the momentum in favor of the hosts.
Despite the setback, India showed resilience with a promising 88-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (88) and Rishabh Pant (30), which gave the visitors hope. However, Pant fell to an unexpected source—Travis Head (1/14), swinging the momentum back to Australia. Soon after, Jaiswal’s dismissal, following an overturned on-field decision by the TV umpire, put India in a precarious position.
Nathan Lyon Claims the Final Indian Wicket
Australia’s lead spinner, Nathan Lyon (2/37), toiled relentlessly throughout the final day and was rewarded with the crucial final wicket. Lyon’s dismissal of Mohammed Siraj secured Australia’s dominant victory, as the MCG crowd of more than 74,000 fans erupted in celebration.
India’s World Test Championship Hopes Still Alive
India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship Final are still alive, but they must win the final Test of the series to level the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and keep their hopes alive. Additionally, they will need Australia to fail to win any of their upcoming Tests in Sri Lanka, which begins next month.
Epic Test Match Ends in Historic Victory for Australia
Australia’s 184-run win is one of the most memorable Test victories in recent Australian cricket history, with the match proving to be an intense and thrilling contest. As Australia marches towards a potential second successive World Test Championship final, their dominant performance in Sydney has sent a clear signal of their strength in the format.
