In the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma and spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli donned the captain's armband with characteristic flair on the third day of the Sydney Test match. With Bumrah sidelined by injury and Rohit rested, Kohli’s leadership took centre stage as he rallied the Indian side in a match-defining session on Sunday.

Kohli, renowned for his passionate and expressive demeanor on the field, grabbed attention for his interactions with the Sydney crowd. The former full-time captain delivered a cheeky response to accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct stemming from an unusual incident the previous day.

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The controversy began after the conclusion of play on Day 2 when footage of an Indian player appeared to show a piece of paper or cloth falling out of a shoe. Social media quickly erupted with speculative claims, with some fans insinuating that the object was sandpaper—a reference to the infamous ball-tampering scandal involving Australian cricketers Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft in 2018.

The 'sandpaper scandal,' which resulted in lengthy bans for the Australian trio, remains a sensitive topic in cricket circles. Kohli, ever aware of the historical context, seized the opportunity to playfully dismiss the accusations. During Day 3, he gestured toward the crowd, suggesting that Indians don’t engage in such practices, delivering his rebuttal with a mix of humour and defiance.

Kohli’s sharp retort drew cheers from Indian supporters and added to the drama of an already heated contest. While the Sydney crowd is known for its vocal engagement, Kohli’s ability to handle the pressure and respond in his trademark style highlighted his mental fortitude.

Australia win the series

Australia clinched a knife-edge fifth Test against India in Sydney by six wickets to seal a riveting series 3-1 Sunday and book their place in the World Test Championship final.

India were dismissed 45 minutes into the morning session of day three for 157, adding just 16 to their overnight 141-6 with the irrepressible Scott Boland ending with 6-45 and 10 wickets for the match.

Set 162 to win, the hosts reached the target before tea against an attack missing injured strike bowler Jasprit Bumrah to regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy for the first time since 2014-15.

Australia lost three wickets before lunch to leave the Test finely poised, including Steve Smith who agonisingly fell just one short of becoming only the 15th player and fourth Australian to reach 10,000 Test runs.

But Usman Khawaja hit a composed 41 before Travis Head (34 not out) and debutant Beau Webster (39 not out) steered them home.

"This is unreal, this (a series win against India) is one that a few of us didn't have. It's been an amazing series ... it's really lived up to all the hype," said Australia skipper Pat Cummins.

"I'm immensely proud. I love playing with these guys, they are such a special group. I feel privileged to have this job and what we have been able to achieve together.

"Pretty satisfied at the moment."

Victory was enough to ensure Australia will defend their World Test Championship in the June final at Lord's against South Africa. (With inputs from Agencies)