On this day, June 11, 2023: Australia beat India by 209 runs to win the World Test Championship. It was the Final of the World Test championship Final between India and Australia at the iconic Lords stadium. Both teams had plenty of stars and the battle was worth the wait. Australia were batting first and lost the wicket of Usman Khawaja cheaply as they were 2/1 and in early trouble. David Warner along with Marnus Labuschagne put on a 69 run partnership to consolidate things for Australia.
Both David Warner and Marnus fell in the span of a few overs as Australia went from 71/1 to 76/3 and India were right on top in the game. Steve Smith joined Travis Head and the duo completely changed the game as they put up a massive partnership. Steve Smith scored 121 while Travis Head smashed 163 runs as Australia put 469 runs on the board in the first innings.
India started poorly in the second innings as they kept losing wickets and were 50/3 and it was some very good bowling from the Australian pacers. India lost their fourth wicket on 71 as Virat Kohli fell. Ajinkya Rahane who was on a comeback put on a stellar partnership with Jadeja to pull things back for India. Rahane made 89 runs before getting dismissed. Jadeja contributed with 48 and Shardul Thakur made a counter attacking half century as India were bowled out for 296 in the first innings. Australia managed to get a huge lead and were right on top.
Australia scored 270/8 in the third innings as they set a target of 444 for India in the final innings. Alex Carey scored 66 and was the star with the bat. Chasing the target, India were bowled out for 234 as Nathan Lyon picked up four wickets and Australia won the World Test Championship Final by 209 runs. Travis Head was the player of the match for his outstanding knock of 163 and it was a memorable game for Australia.
