New Delhi:
Rain washed out entire day 5 of the fourth and final Test in Sydney. However, the proceedings on the final day were a mere formality as Virat Kohli's Indian cricket team became the first Asian team to ever win a Test series in Australia. Earlier, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant blasted centuries to help India reach 622/7 declared, their second-highest Test score in Australia. With this rain delay and India's high score, the chances of Australia securing a win have dimmed significantly. Virat Kohli's Indian cricket team are on the cusp of securing their first-ever Test series win in Australia, which will erase all the pains of previous overseas losses. (LIVE SCORECARD)
That is all we have from the Sydney Cricket Ground. Join us for the ODI series beginning at the same venue on January 12. Bye Bye.
Virat Kohli is on the field with Anushka Sharma, his wife and the couple are enjoying themselves at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Indian team is now posing for photos with the media and they are absolutely filled with joy at winning their first series in Australia. It is their first in the SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) after 10 years, following their win in New Zealand in 2009.
There is the moment. Seven generations of Indians have waited for this occasion. Right from the time of Independence till now, we have waited for a series win in Australia and finally, Virat Kohli's side have done it. They hold aloft the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and there are big smiles and joy all around.
Virat Kohli: Australia are always going to be a very competitive side. Every team goes through transition. I wish Tim and the management all the very best. We all deserve to enjoy. Celebrations are going to run long into the night I can assure you.
Virat Kohli: Hats off to them (the bowlers), the way they've prepared, their fitness levels, and their mindset. They discuss how to take wickets, and then they dictate their plans to me. It's a revelation in Indian cricket, and something for the bowlers at home to learn. These guys will be looked up to for a long, long time, and they deserve to break the record of the great West Indian fast bowlers.
Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper: I want to say I've never been more proud of being part of a team, than this one right here. The culture we've built... our transition began right here, where I took over as captain, and I can't believe that after four years we've won here. Just one word to say, 'proud', to lead this team and it's an honour and privilege. The boys make the captain look good. By far, this is my biggest achievement. It's at the top of the pile. When we won the 2011 World Cup, I was the youngest member of the side. Saw everyone emotional there, but I didn't feel it. Here, after coming three times, this win means something else. The series win will give us a different identity, and what we've been able to achieve... something to be proud of.
Tim Paine, Australia skipper: We have got some talent who aren't playing. They were playing against potentially the best pace attack in the world. Hopefully, they'll learn. Message is to keep scoring runs. That's the currency in cricket. Our group is under no illusions.
Pujara: It's a great feeling for all of us. We've been working really hard to win a series overseas. And especially doing it in this country, it's never easy. First hundred was special, scoring it in Adelaide and going 1-0 up is something which we were all aiming for. When you do that, there's a good chance of winning the series. As a batsman, you just need to get used to pace and bounce. Playing in different conditions, in South Africa, in England, in county cricket has helped me improve my technique. Definitely the best squad I've been a part of.
Cheteshwar Pujara has been rightly named the player of the series for his two hundreds and scoring over 500 runs at an average of close to 75. If it was not for his centuries in Adelaide and Melbourne, India would not have won the series 2-1. He is also the Man of the Match for his brilliant 193.
Virat Kohli is doing a victory lap around the Sydney Cricket Ground and is rousing the Indian spectators to cheer louder. Make no mistake about it, this victory is massive and it will be a huge boost to the Indian cricket team. What a way for their overseas jinx to end.
That is it. The match has been called off and India have created history. They become the first Asian side to win a series in Australia. Virat Kohli's Indian cricket team have done what legends like Nawab of Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni and VVS Laxman have failed to do which is win a Test series in Australia. What a moment.
According to the latest update from the BCCI, the umpires are scheduled to meet the ground staff at 9:00 AM IST, which is 14:30 Sydney time. A decision on whether play can continue could be taken at that time.
The rain continues tov frustrate fans. With each passing hour, the chances of play happening are diminishing. To make matters worse, it looks like the rain has set in and is not going away any time soon. Damp end to the series is on the cards.
While India are on the cusp of a series in Australia, over in football, the Indian team created history by ending 55-years of pain. Here is the link.
The wait continues. However, the reactions are pouring in. Australia have been criticised heavily by Ricky Ponting for showing 'no desperation'.
The rain continues to frustrate players and fans alike. I guess the only possible outcome is a draw and India will have won the series 2-1.
Harsha Bhogle pulls no punches when he describes the situation. It is a very faint drizzle but we have already lost close to a full day combined
I think we are going to set a new record here. The maximum amount of time lost for the minimum amount of rain!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 7, 2019
An early lunch has been taken but it is still drizzling. However, the latest play can start is by 7:40 AM IST.
The rain has eased up now but it is still a thin drizzle. The rain must completely stop for the ground staff to undertake some action.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra highlights the frustration on the final day with this rain
Annoying...rain is neither getting intense nor going away. English weather in Australia. #AusvInd #7cricket
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 7, 2019
Any new update? Nope, still remains the same. It is raining in Sydney. Covers are all firmly on the pitch and are not looking like going away anytime soon. However, before play started, Kohli and the Indian cricket team posed for the official photos as they create a slice of history.
What was your favourite moment in the series? Was it Cheteshwar Pujara stealing the show in Adelaide and Melbourne? Rishabh Pant's brilliant sledging in addition to solid wicketkeeping and batting? Or was it Jasprit Bumrah's bowling? The poll is down. Click and vote for your favorite moment.
With India on the cusp of a series win, what was your favourite moment in the series? #AUSvIND
— News Nation (@NewsNationTV) January 7, 2019
Situation remains the same. Still steady drizzle and the covers are firmly in place.
The full pitch has been covered and conditions are murky. It will be an uphill task to see some action today, one feels.
A warm, rather wet welcome to the fifth and final day of the Sydney Test between India and Australia. The start has been delayed and the covers are on. It is not drizzle but proper rain. Thunderstorms were predicted today and they have come right on schedule.
