Virat Kohli’s resilient batting has given India hope of a remarkable victory in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval.
India ended the day on 164-3, still needing 280 runs to reach their record total of 444. Kohli led the charge on 44 not out, while Ajinkya Rahane scored an unbeaten 20. The task ahead is difficult. Only four teams in the history of Test cricket have chased more than 400 runs in the fourth innings. India are confident, Mohammed Shami has shown confidence in his victory.
Australia need seven more wickets on the final day to clinch their first major men’s world trophy and build momentum in their Ashes opener against England. Chasing the tough target, India got off to a good start, with Rohit Sharma hitting a boundary but a controversial catch by Cameron Green dismissed Shubman Gill.
The decision drew criticism from Indian fans, who chanted “cheating”. Despite the setback, Kohli continued to assert himself with boundaries, earning enthusiastic support from the crowd.
Earlier, Australia declared their second innings at 270-8, setting a tough target for India. Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling performance was outstanding, removing Green for 3-58. Alex Carey scored an unbeaten 66 while playing the important innings and Mitchell Starc contributed 41 runs.
The match hangs in the balance as India face an uphill battle on the final day, chasing a historic fourth innings to secure their first ICC trophy in a decade. The fierce competition promises an exciting finish to the final of the World Test Championship.
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marence Lebouchen, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Greene, Alex Carey (wicket), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (captain), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shibman Gill, Chisteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Srikar Bharat (wicket), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj
