Pat Cummins. (Photo Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
As the World Test Championship final (WTC) 2023 ends with Pat Cummins-led Australia writing history and clinching the title after defeating India by 209 runs in the summit clash, there were a truckload of moments that caught the headlines across the five days that the match was played.
One of the most discussed moments of the match was star Indian batter Shubman Gill’s dismissal in the second innings on Day 4. Gill was batting on 18 runs when he nicked a delivery by Scott Boland straight into Cameron Green’s hands.
As the decision went down to the third umpire, many opined that the ball was clearly visible touching the ground as Green caught it. However, the decision was still deemed as out, and Gill was sent back to the pavilion. The moment has attracted controversy over the last few days, and to clarify the situation, skipper Pat Cummins came to the front to defend Green, and even stated that it was a fair catch.
“They are passionate fans, but I thought it was a fair catch, It was an absolute screamer, and obviously we’re just players, we’re out on the field, so we leave it in the umpire’s hands, and personally, probably the best umpire in the world, he knows the rule books, he’s seen every angle. I’d probably back his decision more so than emotional, passionate fans that are looking on a big screen from 100 metres away,” Pat Cummins was quoted as saying by Stuff.co.nz.
Subpar batting led to India’s doom in WTC final
Australia set a mammoth 444-run target for the Indian team to chase down in their quest for the World Test Championship title. However, coming in to chase the target, India succumbed to the relentless attack by the Aussie bowlers.
Having lost three wickets by the end of Day 4, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane aimed to propel the side to a win. However, the early dismissal of the batters once again saw the team collapse and eventually the team got bundled out for 234 runs. With this, in what turned out to be a complete domination, Australia hand India a huge defeat by 204-run margin in the WTC 2023 final.