With this defeat, Team India has missed out on winning the WTC final for the second consecutive time, having previously lost to New Zealand. McGrath, currently the director of the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, discussed the challenges faced by Indian players in England and the need for partnerships within the team.
India’s Top Order Struggles in the Face of Australia’s Dominance
In the WTC final, India crumbled under the pressure of Australia’s first innings score of 469 runs. The Indian top order, including renowned players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, failed to make an impact, resulting in their swift dismissals. Despite their star-studded lineup, India’s batting unit struggled to find its footing.
McGrath emphasized that both teams have had limited exposure to Test cricket recently and such outcomes are part of the game. He believed that a strong partnership between Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane was crucial for India but their quick wickets derailed the team’s progress. Considering the competitiveness of the match, McGrath expressed that he wasn’t overly concerned with the outcome.
While speaking in an event, McGrath said:
”Sometimes, it can happen like that. Yeah, conditions in England are a lot different to what Indian cricket has been playing in. Sometimes that happens that way, it’s called that bit of dressing room pressure,” said McGrath.
”Both teams haven’t played a lot of Test cricket lately but that’s the way it goes. You get on a bit of a roll going into that last day, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane needed to put on a big partnership. You lose an early wicket, that can happen. It’s a one-off Test match. I wouldn’t be too concerned.”
Australia’s Dominant First Innings Performances
Glenn McGrath praised the impressive centuries scored by Travis Head and Steve Smith in Australia’s first innings. In response, India showcased a commendable partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur.
However, young opener Shubman Gill failed to make a significant impact, while the experienced Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been playing county cricket in England for an extended period, struggled to make a substantial contribution.
Glenn McGrath reflected on India’s defeat in the ICC World Test Championship final, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the sport. Australia’s dominant performance in the first innings, coupled with India’s top order failures, played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match.
McGrath emphasized the importance of partnerships, particularly between Kohli and Rahane, to stabilize India’s innings. Despite the loss, he expressed that the competitive nature of the match alleviated concerns and highlighted the unpredictable nature of Test cricket.