India's crushing defeat in the 5th Test match against Australia marked a disappointing conclusion to their tour Down Under. Despite high hopes and a strong performance in Perth, the Indian team failed to deliver consistent results across the series.

The match itself saw Australia capitalize on India's weakened bowling attack, particularly with the absence of star quick Jasprit Bumrah. Scott Boland led the Australian charge with impressive figures of 4/31 and 6/45, while debutant Beau Webster chipped in with a vital 57-run knock.

India's batting lineup struggled to cope with the challenging conditions at the SCG, with several key players failing to make significant contributions. The usually reliable Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were unable to fire on all cylinders, leaving the team in a precarious position.

Australia's victory not only secured the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also booked their spot in the World Test Championship final alongside South Africa. This triumph caps off an impressive campaign for the hosts, who have shown remarkable resilience throughout the series despite losing the first Test.

For India, the defeat raises serious questions about their ability to compete with the best teams in Test cricket. The team's struggles with scoring first-innings runs and maintaining consistency across the series have been evident throughout.

Off-field issues, including reported friction within the squad and doubts over the future of certain players, have further complicated matters for the Indian team. As they prepare to return home, they face an uncertain future in the longest format of the game.

The outcome of this Test match serves as a stark reminder of the challenges India faces in adapting to conditions outside of their comfort zone. It remains to be seen whether they can address these issues and mount a stronger challenge in future international competitions.

In conclusion, while Australia's victory was undoubtedly deserved, India's performance in this series highlights the ongoing development needed for them to truly compete at the highest levels of Test cricket. Both teams will now turn their attention to upcoming challenges, with the Aussies set to defend their World Test Championship crown and India aiming to rebuild and regroup for their next major tournament.