IND vs AUS Highlights, WTC Final Day 1:
India began the World Test Championship (WTC) against Australia by losing the toss and being relegated to batting second. The Indian team opted for four seamers, meaning Ravi Ashwin was left out, and KS Bharat was chosen as the wicketkeeper. Australia, in the absence of Hazlewood, went with Scott Boland.
India’s Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Srikar Bharat (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj.
Australia’s Playing XI:
David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland.
Australia in Command at the End of Day 1
At the end of Day 1, Australia had put themselves in command, thanks to an unbeaten 244-run stand between Travis Head and Steve Smith. The day ended with Australia at 327/3, with Smith not out on 95 and Head unbeaten on 146.
India’s Early Success
India had a successful start to the day, with Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur both striking in the first session. After the lunch break, Mohammad Shami managed to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne.
Head’s Counter-Attack
Head then took the opportunity to counter-attack, resulting in the Indian bowling being decimated.
Conclusion
At the end of Day 1, India had a lot of work to do if they wanted to take the upper hand in the WTC. Australia had put themselves in control, thanks to the impressive batting of Head and Smith. The Indian bowlers had created early success, but Head’s counter-attack had ultimately put Australia in the driving seat.