Australia vs India | India tour of Australia, 2024/25 | 5th Test

From Perth's western frontier to Sydney's historic harbor, the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy has completed its Australian odyssey. Over a month and a half, fans witnessed a spectacular caravan of cricket that delivered five gripping Test matches, with the quality of play reaching new heights with each passing day, as neither side showed any sign of backing down. This series lived beyond all expectations, shattering records and marking personal milestones in its wake. The curtains may have fallen on the Australian leg, but the echoes of this epic battle will resonate long after the final ball was bowled. This nerve-wracking series has now drawn to a close, with Australia securing their place in the WTC final, where they will face South Africa in June later this year in the summit clash. For India, however, this marks the end of their journey in the current WTC cycle and they will prepare for the next edition with more determination. On the other hand, Australia still has a couple of Tests remaining, with a tour to Sri Lanka looming on the horizon. Well then, that is it from this space, but, there's still a lot of international cricket going around along with Big Bash League at its full tilt. We have also got a few more franchise leagues to begin this month in nearly a week's time. The Australian summer concludes, but cricket continues elsewhere. We sign off from here. CIAO!

Pat Cummins is now requested to collect the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Allan Border hands him the silverware and Cummins respectfully collects it, and poses for a few commemorative photographs! He now calls his teammates on the podium and the entire team now poses for some more photographs. Pat Cummins also takes a selfie to frame this historic moment. And now, the entire team poses in front of the champion's board as the SCG echoes in cheers and applause for their home team.

The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins is called upon the podium to have a chat. He gets a huge reception from the SCG crowd. He says that it feels unreal and the series lived up to its hype. Mentions that they tried to be clear with their strategies and to be proactive. He further adds that he is immensely proud of his boys. Also accepts that they weren't at their best at Perth but made a huge comeback since then. Says that it is fun to play with these guys and it is a special group. Says that he is really proud to have achieved this series win and it is always nice to have a flexible squad. Mentions that there were three debutants in the series that fitted quite well and contributed at different times. About his own performance, he thinks that he did quite well and had a good rest coming into this series. Also says that these are the big series you prepare for. Adds that it was nice to see their main stays step up and you need something like that to beat a side like India. Also states that this is easily his favourite Test series. Also thanks Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah and all the fans who turned up. Ends by saying that it was fun to watch the fans who turned up in huge numbers and sold-out crowds across all the games.

The shining Border-Gavaskar Trophy is now carefully placed on the pedestal by Allan Border as we head to the captains' talk now.

JASPRIT BUMRAH wins the PLAYER OF THE SERIES following his threatening bowling display throughout this Australian summer. He picked up 32 wickets across these five Test matches at a remarkable bowling average. He also gracefully collects the honorary medallion from Allan Border. He says that it is a little frustrating but sometimes you have to respect your body. Shares that it was disappointing to have missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series. Tells that he felt a bit of discomfort during his second spell in the first innings. Adds that the talk was about having the belief and others stepped up in his absence in the first innings. States that the discussion coming into Day 3 was about showing character. Further says that the entire series was hard-fought. he says that for youngsters it is not the easiest place to play cricket and they will only grow from strength to strength. Concludes by congratulating Australia and says that they as a team, will look to take the learnings from this series.

SCOTT BOLAND is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for snagging 10 wickets in this fifth Test. He receives the medallion from none other than Allan Border. He says that it would be nice to take this pitch wherever he goes. Shares that it has been a good couple of months. Tells that he did not expect to play too much part in this series but he prepared well. Mentions that it is nice to win 3-1 against India. Ends by saying that he is happy to play wherever he gets the opportunity.

... THE POST-SERIES PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

Travis Head is in for a chat now. He says that it is nice to contribute. He says that he doesn't worry too much about the results. Mentions that he is looking forward to getting 10 days off before the tour of Sri Lanka. Talking about the batting he says that he was looking to build little partnerships in the middle and just look to get momentum. Talking about the series, he says that it could have gone any direction and it was a crazy five-Test match series. Shares that there were different media narratives - some he agreed with and some he didn't. Adds that at least 15 people on the team were relieved that Jasprit didn't bowl today. Concludes by saying that India is a great team with Jaiswal's firepower at the top and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the middle order.

It is now time to hear from a few Australian players. Beau Webster is in for a chat with the broadcasters. He says that he couldn't have asked for a better debut. Shares that he was counting down the runs while in the dressing room. Tells that they were confident that they could chase it down. Mentions that it is a surreal feeling and it has been a nice couple of weeks for him. Adds that the debut was a little bit unexpected but he was ready and he is glad that the debut panned out the way it did. States that the noise from the crowd was infectious and ends by thanking everyone for the support over the last few days.

In all fairness, the Indians were too straight and too full which caused very little trouble to the batters and runs came in thick and fast. Siraj though dismissed Khawaja eventually but, it was too little and too late before Head and Webster sailed Australia through the win. In hindsight, India would be thinking that a target beyond 250 could have turned this into a nail-biter rather than a comfortable chase. And more importantly, India dearly missed the services of Jasprit Bumrah, who could have made life tougher for the Aussie batters.