Former Australia batsman Matthew Hayden summed up India’s struggle in the final of the World Test Championship 2023 after a crushing 209-run defeat to Australia at the Oval in London on Sunday. Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon sealed India’s defeat with their heroics with the ball. Hayden praised the Australian team for their winning performance while pointing out India’s struggle in the tournament.
Different events, same feelings.
#WTC23 , #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/4F3oy2cJMN
– ICC (@ICC) June 11, 2023
“Lost to New Zealand in the last cycle and now to Australia,” Hayden was quoted as saying by ICC.com. “It is now the ninth time that Australia have lifted an ICC Championship of any kind. That’s really impressive stuff from a country of 26 million people,” he said. “A courageous community of athletes and sports heroes who united here on this world stage against [a country of] 1.4 billion. This is impressive stuff,” Hayden signed off by saying.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting reflected on Australia’s hard work over the past two years and their complete thrashing of the Indian team.
“Look at what it has meant to this group of players. Two long and hard years of working, competing and winning Test matches around the world have added up today,” Ricky Ponting was quoted as saying by ICC.com. ”
Ponting said, “Disappointment for India but they were completely beaten by a very good Australian cricket team here at The Oval.”
India started the fifth day on 164/3, with Virat Kohli (44*) and Ajinkya Rahane (20*) unbeaten at the crease. However, a game-changing over by Scott Boland, which saw him trap Virat for 49 and Ravindra Jadeja for a duck, heralded India’s downfall. Rahane was dismissed by Mitchell Starc for 46 while Srikar Bharat (23) was dismissed by Nathan Lyon.
The Indian batting line-up failed to put up a fight, being bundled out for 234 in 63.3 overs and handing Australia their maiden WTC title. Lyon was one of the bowlers for Australia, taking 4/41. Boland took 3/46 while Starc got two wickets. Captain Pat Cummins got a wicket.