ICC World Test Championship Final: Day 1 Report – Despite losing the toss, Australia have managed to put on a stunning performance on the opening day of the WTC Final with the Pat Cummins-led side putting up a massive 327 runs on the board at the end of day’s play with 85 overs bowled across the three sessions.
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WTC Final: India vs Australia – Day 1 Session 1
In an eventful session of play, Australia scored 73 runs and lost two wickets. Despite the setbacks, Australia can be considered the slightly happier team heading into the break, as they were asked to bat first under cloudy conditions. Their early loss was Usman Khawaja, who fell victim to a delivery that moved away with the angle, inducing an edge.
Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Final: WATCH – Mohammed Siraj Starts Off Hot As The Bowler Sledges Marnus Labuschagne On Day 1 Of WTC Final
The Indian bowlers, led by the impressive Mohammed Siraj, received valuable support from Mohammed Shami as they relentlessly sought further breakthroughs. However, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne successfully negotiated the new ball and started to build a partnership. Their efforts were rewarded when Umesh Yadav, brought into the attack as the first-change bowler, released the pressure with a disappointing second over, offering loose deliveries that allowed Warner to find his rhythm.
Mohammed Siraj breaks through early for India 💥
Follow the #WTC23 Final 👉 https://t.co/wJHUyVnX0r pic.twitter.com/27XCmePGAI
— ICC (@ICC) June 7, 2023
Labuschagne, on the other hand, encountered a couple of close LBW appeals, surviving the reviews and exhibiting resilience under pressure. The session witnessed a wicket against the flow of play just moments before the lunch break, ending Warner’s attractive innings at 43.
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WTC Final: India vs Australia – Day 1 Session 2
The 2nd session continued to captivate fans with its gripping nature. In the span of 28 overs, 97 runs were scored, and only one wicket fell. India began the session on a high note, dismissing David Warner shortly before the lunch break.
Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Final: WATCH- Srikar Bharat Takes A Screamer As Shardul Thakur Provides India The Breakthrough With David Warner’s Dismissal
Their momentum carried over into the post-lunch period, as Mohammed Shami delivered an impressive first over, removing Marnus Labuschagne from the equation. This paved the way for Travis Head to enter the field at the fifth position, where he showcased his signature positive approach to batting. Head predominantly scored runs by playing square of the wicket and impressively reached his fifty in just 60 deliveries.
Travis Head becomes the first batter to score a century in the World Test Championship final 👏👏👏 #WTC2023Final #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/Ov08J83RWl
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 7, 2023
On the other hand, Steve Smith struggled to find his usual fluent form but managed to avoid recklessly giving away his wicket out of frustration. Shardul Thakur produced some exceptional deliveries but unfortunate circumstances prevented him from claiming a wicket.
Towards the end of the session, Umesh Yadav bowled a tight spell and created an opportunity when Smith edged the ball, but it fell short of the second slip fielder. Ravindra Jadeja maintained a disciplined bowling performance, providing very few scoring opportunities for both batsmen.
WTC Final: India vs Australia – Day 1 Session 3
At the close of play, Australia reached an impressive total of 327 for the loss of three wickets. Travis Head remained unbeaten on a magnificent 146 runs off a mere 156 deliveries, while Steve Smith was only five runs away from reaching his century. The game was delicately poised when these two batsmen joined forces shortly after the lunch break.
However, it didn’t take long for Head to seize control and propel his team forward. He displayed an aggressive approach, mercilessly punishing the Indian bowlers at every available opportunity. The Indian team struggled to find their rhythm early on when the ball was still relatively new, and their initial bowling to Head was below par.
Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Final: Twitter Erupts As Travis Head Scripts History And Becomes First Batter To Hit A Century In WTC Final
On the other hand, Smith had a scratchy start to his innings. He survived a few edges that failed to carry to the fielders in the slip cordon and took some time to settle into a rhythm. Eventually, he found his groove, and together with Head, they made the Indian bowlers toil under the scorching afternoon sun. The partnership between the two batsmen inflicted immense pressure on the Indian bowling attack, as Head showcased his attacking prowess while Smith steadily built his innings.
Double century partnership between Steven Smith and Travis Head in the WTC Final against India. pic.twitter.com/YMiQU2eV7R
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 7, 2023
The Australian batsmen dominated the proceedings, with Head’s aggressive stroke play and Smith’s determination. They ensured a challenging day for the Indian team, forcing them to exhaust their efforts in search of breakthroughs. The impressive partnership between Head and Smith tilted the momentum in Australia’s favor, as they ended the day in a commanding position.
WTC Final: India vs Australia – Day 1 Scorecard
India won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Australia: 327/3 (85 overs)
Travis Head 146* (156), Steve Smith 95* (227)
Mohammed Siraj 1-67-19-4, Mohammed Shami 1-77-20-3
Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah
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