World Test Championship
Australia's journey to the WTC final
Australia's journey began in tumultuous circumstances. Tim Paine, who had become captain at a tricky time (Sandpapergate) himself, had to step down after a scandal over inappropriate text messages to a female co-worker.•Getty Images
Boxing Day was Boland Day as the debutant's 6 for 7 demolished England, and Australia got the Ashes. •Getty Images
Usman Khawaja dominated in his country of birth, smacking 496 runs. It also included an emotional century in his city of birth, Karachi. •AFP/Getty Images
Even in the midst of protests - Sri Lanka were in the middle of political turmoil - Australia stayed, and played, earning praise from the locals. The series ended 1-1.•AFP
The series against South Africa at home was a battle of the quicks, which Australia won 2-0 too. At Gabba, 34 wickets fell in two days.•Getty Images
But it was the other rookie, Matthew Kuhnemann, who came through in Indore to help Australia get the ticket they wanted.•Getty Images
Pat Cummins became captain. It did not affect Australia's on-field performances, though, as they crushed England 4-0 in the 2021-22 home Ashes.•Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Travis Head struck centuries in Hobart and Brisbane, a rich run of form that continued through the WTC.•Getty Images
It looked set to end 0-0 before Cummins produced an inspired spell late on the final day. When Naseem Shah was bowled, it gave Australia the series.•AFP/Getty Images
With only one defeat in their first three series, Australia had to produce only a strong 2022-23 home summer to be favourites for the WTC final. Touring first were West Indies...•AFP/Getty Images
David Warner had a memorable 100th Test, hitting a double-century at the MCG while overcoming cramps and poor personal form. That left Australia inches away from the final.•Getty Images and Cricket Australia
The series went to Ahmedabad for the finale, and on a lifeless pitch, they played out a draw. Both sides got what they wanted: India claimed the series 2-1 and a spot in the final, Australia grabbed bragging rights as WTC table toppers.•Getty Images
Australia then went to Pakistan for the first time in 24 years. The first two Tests were drawn.•Anjum Naveed/Associated Press
Sri Lanka next, where Mitchell Swepson and Nathan Lyon made it back-to-back Test wins in Asia for the first time since 2006 for Australia.•Getty Images
... who were brushed aside 2-0, Marnus Labuschagne taking centre stage by pumping three centuries in three innings.•Getty Images
Finally, India. Australia had to win at least one game. It didn't come in Nagpur or in Delhi - India won both. On the plus side for Australia, Todd Murphy emerged as a spinner ready for Asian conditions. •Getty Images
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