SYDNEY: With South Africa having secured victory over Pakistan in their first game of a two-Test series at Centurion, and Australia having overcome India in Melbourne, the equations for the World Test Championship (WTC) final have become clear.The final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series will be played in Sydney, starting on Friday. While South Africa have ensured a maiden spot in the WTC decider, Australia have boosted their chances significantly.

The Pat Cummins-captained Australia are just one win away, from their upcoming three games, to guarantee their spot at Lord’s.

Speaking to the reporters in Sydney ahead of the final Test, wicket-keeper/batter Alex Carey was proud of how the side had turned up in recent encounters but added that Australia were taking it one step at a time.

“[It would be a] reward for 24 months of really solid cricket. [It is] a group that is extremely experienced, [with] skilful Australian legends amongst it, who are continuing to surprise us with how good they are. But we can’t look too far ahead,” said Carey.

A draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground would be enough for Australia to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a prize that has eluded them for a decade.

However, it wouldn’t guarantee their spot in the WTC final. In that case, Australia would need at least a draw during their tour of Sri Lanka to earn the chance to defend their title.

Carey, however, stated that Australian side were simply focused on securing a win.

“We know it’s a really quality outfit in India, who have shown they are well and truly capable of bouncing back. To go into this last game 2-1 up is great for the group. So for this group, it’s head down, another opportunity to win a Test match, and if are able to secure the trophy it would be fantastic,” he said.

“We always play to win the game and then work backwards from there. [We’re in] a good position but I think this group’s really keen to come here, put our good foot forward from day one and see what happens.”

“He’ll be fine. He’ll push through, I’ve played with Starcy for a long time now, and [he’s] one of the toughest cricketers I’ve played with. He’ll grimace, he’ll grab his rib no doubt, but he’ll be ready for the contest,” Carey said.

STARC EXPECTED TO BE FIT

The wicket-keeper also provided an update on Mitchell Starc’s fitness ahead of the final match, particularly after the left-arm pacer showed signs of discomfort during the Melbourne Test.

Despite seeing Starc claim only one wicket during the fourth Test, the vital scalp of Virat Kolhi during India’s run chase, Carey was impressed with the 34-year-old’s performance at the MCG.

“I thought that first spell [on the last day in Melbourne] without the reward was, you know, some of the best bowling I’ve seen this series from him,” he said.

“He’s got an opportunity now to help this team in a test match. He’ll be up for the contest. And I think his bowling just got better throughout the series.”

Carey also backed team-mate Mitchell Marsh to deliver. The all-rounder has been under scrutiny for his recent returns, having scored just 73 runs from four Tests so far in the series.

“Whenever we have put someone in the spotlight, the true Aussie way is to show them how good we are,” Carey said. “So I think it is Mitch’s time.”

For India, things look significantly grim and uncertain amid a poor run of form shown by their captain Rohit Sharma and batting maestro Kohli during the series in Australia. Though their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah (30 wickets) has done exceptionally well Down Under, the effort has not proved enough for the tourists to defy the Aussies who after suffering a massive 295-run thrashing in the series opener at Perth made superb comebacks in Adelaide and Melbourne.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2025