Australia is the World Test Champion after a comfortable 209-run win over India in the final at The Oval, confirming its status as the best Test-cricketing nation of this cycle.
Getting among the celebrations was Todd Murphy - from Moama and with connections to Deni and Mathoura - who will forever have his name etched in as a member of the Aussies’ inaugural WTC-winning squad.
Murphy watched from the sidelines as Australia wrapped up the Test on the fifth day, his mentor Nathan Lyon the man of the moment with 4-41 and the final wicket of the game.
Centuries to man-of-the-match Travis Head (163 runs) and Steve Smith (121) helped Australia build an imposing first-innings total of 469, laying the platform for a historic win.
It hands the Aussies a clean sweep of ICC trophies, and while not among the playing XI during the final, Murphy’s intention before departing for the tour of England was for continued development after earning his Test cap back in the Border-Gavaskar series against India.
“I’m excited just to go over there and be around the environment again, continue to get better and work with guys like Nathan Lyon and Dan Vettori and just keep developing the skillset,” Murphy told the Riverine Herald last month.
Now, Murphy and Australia’s attention will swiftly turn to the first of the five-Test Ashes series, beginning this Friday at 8pm (AEST) at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
13°C