Australia skipper Pat Cummins lauded his "special" tight-knit team Sunday after they snapped a decade-long drought to win a series against India and make back-to-back World Test Championship finals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Their six-wicket victory in Sydney ensured the hosts clinched the series 3-1, rallying after an emphatic 295-run defeat in the first game at Perth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The bulk of the Australian side has been together for years and beating India remained an elusive goal for many of them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Only Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc were part of the squad that played in the last series win over their arch-rivals a decade ago.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cummins said he was "immensely proud" of what his side had achieved.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Obviously in the context of this series, it's been a massive series," he said after his 20th win as captain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It is one that a few of us didn't have. The boys have had their eye on it and it has lived up to the hype.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We've spent a lot of time together as a group over the years, so we knew we weren't at our best at Perth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"But it was never as bad as it seems. So you stick tight and double down on what makes us a really good side."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The victory ensured Australia will be at Lord's to defend the World Test Championship against South Africa in June.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It's such a special group, we have so much fun," added Cummins of the squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I feel so privileged to first of all have this job.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"But what we've been able to achieve together alongside the support staff as well, it's such a group effort, families as well. They give up so much. So yeah, really proud."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Australia handed out three debuts during the series -- opener Nathan McSweeney who was axed after the first three Tests, the man who replaced him, Sam Konstas, and all-rounder Beau Webster in the fifth Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They also heavily relied on stalwarts such as Smith, Starc and Travis Head.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Always nice to have a squad," said Cummins.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The three debutants in this series fitted in well. They contributed in different times.<\/p>\r\n\r\n