India lost the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final against Australia by 209 runs at the Oval. On Day 5, Australia beat India by 234 runs in the pursuit of 444.
India started the day at 164 for three, needing 280 runs to win. With Virat Kohli (49) and Ajinkya Rahane (46) in the middle, Indian supporters hoped for a record total on Day 5.
In the eighth over of the morning, Scott Boland removed Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja (0) to give Australia the ideal start. Mitchell Starc sent Rahane back after a few strokes.
Shardul Thakur, who made a half-century in the first innings, failed again. Nathan Lyon took the last wicket.
Rohit Sharma discussed WTC Final format adjustments after the match. The Indian captain thought the competition final may be two games.
Rohit Sharma discusses the timing of the WTC Final.
“Yes, please. But when? The huge question. In a large tournament like this, both teams deserve fair chances. A three-match series would be wonderful, but finding the right time is key.
“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 remarked at the post-match news conference.
Rohit said that Test cricket is about “rhythm” and that both sides should play a three-match series next time.
“So, you can’t get into that Test cricket momentum. Test cricket is about rhythm and energy. “So, I think, yeah if in the next cycle, if it is possible, three match series would be ideal,” Rohit said.
Kohli also advocated for a three-match series in 2021.
I don’t think one game can determine the world’s finest Test team. Over three Tests, it must be a test of character to see which team can come back or completely dominate the other.
Pressure over two days of excellent cricket doesn’t make you a bad Test team. “I don’t believe in it,” Kohli stated after the 2021 WTC Final defeat.
India lost in both Test Championship finals. Kane Williamson’s New Zealand beat Kohli’s team by eight wickets in the 2021 final. The Aussies beat India decisively.