In the fifth and final Test, India won the toss and chose to bat first but struggled to build a competitive total. Rishabh Pant emerged as the top scorer with 40 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah provided brief contributions. The batting lineup was plagued by careless dismissals, with Shubman Gill's unfortunate lapse in concentration standing out. Australia's Scott Boland capitalized on India's batting woes, claiming four wickets on a challenging pitch.
Jasprit Bumrah, who captained the side in this match due to Rohit Sharma's decision to rest, showcased exceptional bowling skills throughout the series. Despite the team's overall struggles, Bumrah's performance was a highlight, taking 32 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 28.38. His efforts earned him accolades from former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who praised it as one of the finest displays of fast bowling.
The series has sparked intense discussions regarding the future of Indian cricket, particularly concerning the form of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both players have faced criticism for their recent performances, leading to speculation about their places in the Test squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering these selection issues as they plan the next steps for the team.
Criticism has also been directed at the team's selection strategies, with former players such as Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar voicing their concerns. Gavaskar labeled the decision to include Washington Sundar in the playing XI on the SCG wicket as a significant error, while Manjrekar questioned Shubman Gill's contributions throughout the series.
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