Jasprit Bumrah achieved a historic milestone in the Border-Gavaskar series, becoming the first pacer to take 30 wickets. This remarkable feat underscores Bumrah’s consistency and dominance throughout the series, cementing his status as one of the premier bowlers in modern cricket.

During the fourth Test against Australia, Bumrah showcased his exceptional skills, equaling the Asian record held by Wasim Akram and Bishan Singh Bedi. His sharp pace, accuracy, and ability to generate movement troubled Australia’s top-order batters consistently.

Bumrah’s achievement highlights the critical role he has played in India’s success during this series. His ability to adapt to different conditions and execute strategies with precision has been instrumental in India’s competitive performance.

With 30 wickets, Jasprit Bumrah surpassed several legendary pacers who have competed in the Border-Gavaskar series. His impressive tally reflects not just his wicket-taking ability but also his discipline and mental strength in high-pressure situations.

This milestone places Bumrah in an elite league of bowlers who have left a lasting impact on Test cricket. His performances have drawn praise from cricketing experts and former players, who lauded his remarkable consistency and resilience.

India’s pace attack, led by Bumrah, has significantly contributed to the team’s competitiveness in overseas conditions. His exceptional form in the Border-Gavaskar series has further reinforced the importance of pace bowlers in modern cricket.

Bumrah’s record-breaking achievement has inspired a generation of young cricketers, proving that dedication and hard work yield extraordinary results.

As the Border-Gavaskar series concludes, Bumrah’s historic milestone will remain a highlight, showcasing his brilliance as a bowler and his contribution to Indian cricket.

India suffered a shocking collapse at the MCG Test, losing seven wickets for just 34 runs, gifting Australia a crucial victory. The Indian batting lineup faltered spectacularly, leaving the team on the brink of missing the World Test Championship final.

Chasing a competitive target, India started strongly with its top order providing a solid foundation. However, the middle-order batters failed under pressure, triggering a dramatic collapse that handed the advantage to Australia.

Australia’s bowlers capitalized on India’s mistakes with relentless precision. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins led the attack, dismantling India’s lineup with sharp deliveries and tactical brilliance.

India’s inability to adapt to the changing pitch conditions added to their woes. Poor shot selection and composure cost the team crucial wickets during critical moments.

The collapse highlighted India’s recurring issues with middle-order stability. Despite promising starts, the team has struggled to maintain momentum under challenging circumstances.

Australia’s victory has strengthened their position in the World Test Championship standings. They remain firm contenders for the final, while India faces an uphill battle to qualify.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment, admitting the team failed to execute its plans. He emphasized the need to address these shortcomings in upcoming matches.

This defeat marks a significant setback for India, raising questions about their approach in high-pressure games. Fans and analysts have called for changes in the lineup and strategy.

With this loss, India must regroup quickly to stay in contention for the World Test Championship final. The team’s performance in upcoming matches will determine their fate in the tournament.

Australia’s clinical execution and India’s collapse turned the MCG Test into a defining moment in the series.

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa secured their spot in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s by defeating Pakistan in the first Test of their two-match series. Despite a dramatic collapse to 99/8 while chasing 148, Kagiso Rabada (31*) and Marco Jansen (16*) steered South Africa to a two-wicket victory, ensuring they topped the WTC standings. This victory means that the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan no longer affects their qualification for the WTC final, and the pressure is now squarely on India and Australia to secure their spots.

South Africa’s WTC Final Qualification

By winning the first Test, South Africa guaranteed a place in the June 2025 WTC final, leaving India and Australia fighting for the remaining spots. The Proteas’ victory has shifted the focus onto the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as both India and Australia cannot afford any more slip-ups. South Africa’s dominance in the WTC standings has added intensity to the remaining fixtures, with both teams now facing a do-or-die scenario.

What Must India and Australia Do to Qualify for the WTC Final?

India’s points percentage dropped from 57.29 to 55.88 after the drawn Test in Brisbane. Currently, they sit third in the WTC standings, behind South Africa and Australia. With only one match left after the Melbourne Test, India faces a challenging path to the final. Australia, with three matches remaining (one against India and two against Sri Lanka), has more opportunities to improve its standing.

India and Australia are contesting for a total of 228 points, making their head-to-head matches in Melbourne and Sydney vital. Here’s a breakdown of their qualification scenarios:

India and Australia’s WTC Scenarios:

1. If India wins at the MCG but draws the series 2-2 (Australia wins in Sydney):
   • India: 126 points (55.26 PCT)
   • Australia: Can qualify with two draws or one win in Sri Lanka.
2. If India draws at the MCG and wins in Sydney:
   • India: 130 points (57.01 PCT)
   • Australia: Must beat Sri Lanka 2-0 to qualify.
3. If India loses at the MCG but draws in Sydney:
   • India: 118 points
   • Australia: Can overtake India if they win in Sri Lanka.
4. If India draws both the MCG and Sydney Tests:
   • India: 122 points (53.50 PCT)
   • Australia: Needs to win at least one match against Sri Lanka to qualify.

Updated WTC Standings:

• South Africa (Q) – PCT 66.67
• Australia – PCT 58.89
• India – PCT 55.88
• New Zealand – PCT 48.21
• Sri Lanka – PCT 45.45
• England – PCT 43.18
• Pakistan – PCT 30.30
• Bangladesh – PCT 31.25
• West Indies – PCT 24.24

With only a few matches left for India and Australia, every point counts. The outcome of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will likely determine who joins South Africa in the WTC final at Lord’s in June 2025.