Many Indian fans were glued to their mobile and TV screens, eagerly following the events in Christchurch, New Zealand, as a draw in the fourth and final Test between India and Australia in Ahmedabad appeared inevitable. Sri Lanka, whose chances of making the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 finals were still alive, was engaged in an exciting match against Tim Southee and company there at Hagley Oval.
In order to advance to the WTC 2023 final race, Sri Lanka needed a victory, and despite giving it their all, Dimuth Karunaratne and company were humbled by a game-winning effort from Kane Williamson. The talismanic batsman reached the crease with a fully extended dive after scoring an unbeaten 121 to lead New Zealand to an exciting two-wicket victory on the final ball of the game. The result also dashed Sri Lanka’s hopes of competing in the World Tennis Championship finals. India and Australia will now face off at the Oval in the summit game in June.
Rahul Dravid, the head coach of India, responded that they had no intention of closely monitoring events in New Zealand but were compelled to do so. “In every test we play, we attempt to produce results. We knew we needed to win three games in the series to render the series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand irrelevant if we wanted to maintain control of the WTC qualification.
“We knew right away that winning the toss would be important the moment we set eyes on the Ahmedabad wicket. The way Australia batted the first two days forced us to rely on Sri Lanka and New Zealand’s result, Dravid said in a Star Sports interview.
He added: “We were eagerly watching, hoping Sri Lanka doesn’t win. Due to the two-year duration of the World Test Championship and the fact that each team is required to play six Test Series, it is only natural to depend on others. In competitions like this, you must give it your all, but you must also rely on others.
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The fact that New Zealand, who typically eliminates us from ICC tournaments, provided us with little support is a plus. We are appreciative of them.
Dravid also described the mood in the locker room, which was dominated by tension over New Zealand’s daring strategy and desire for victory. In the final five overs, New Zealand needed 37 runs, and Williamson needed two more runs to reach 100.
Williamson continued to score quickly despite being close to the milestone as New Zealand, batting at 248/5 at the time, finished the chase in the following five overs. With no outs left, New Zealand scored those 37 runs, losing three batters in the process.
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We were anxious to witness the New Zealand attack and aim for a win rather than a draw. We were talking amongst ourselves about this.
“But we had to accept that because New Zealand will undoubtedly play for a win rather than a draw. In fact, we watched the final 5-6 overs on the television during lunch, and it was very exciting, said Dravid.
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