India vs Australia Live Score, WTC Final 2023

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Travis Head’s brilliant century and Steve Smith’s determined knock propelled Australia into a commanding position against India at the end of Day 1 in the World Test Championship Final. Despite an early setback when Mohammed Shami dismissed Marnus Labuschagne after lunch, Australia finished the day at a formidable 327/3. This followed their steady progress of 73/2 at lunch at the Oval on Wednesday. India had won the toss and elected to bowl first, leaving out the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin.

The day started with high anticipation as India and Australia locked horns in the second World Test Championship Final, vying for the ultimate prize in Test cricket. The five-day one-off Test match had a reserve day in place to account for any potential disruptions due to rain, just as it had happened when India faced New Zealand in 2021 at Southampton.

Australia’s innings began cautiously, with David Warner and Usman Khawaja leading the charge. However, just before lunch, India managed to break through with Shardul Thakur dismissing Khawaja for a duck, followed by Mohammed Siraj removing Warner at 43 runs. These wickets provided India with a glimmer of hope, but the Australian batsmen had other plans.

Travis Head and Steve Smith took charge after lunch, steadily building a formidable partnership that frustrated the Indian bowlers. Head displayed exceptional skill and composure as he notched up a brilliant century, playing some exquisite shots all around the ground. Smith, on the other hand, was inching closer to his own century, showcasing his trademark resilience and determination.

India’s bowlers struggled to break the partnership as the Australian batsmen grew in confidence. The fielding team’s hopes were dashed as Head and Smith continued to accumulate runs, putting Australia in a commanding position by the end of the day’s play.

The decision to leave out Ravichandran Ashwin, the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, raised eyebrows. The Indian team management opted to bolster their pace attack, considering the conditions and the strength of the Australian batting lineup. While the move was seen as a gamble, it was a testament to the team’s belief in their pace bowlers to make an impact in the crucial encounter.

Australia’s dominance on Day 1 has set the stage for an intriguing battle in the remaining days of the Test match. India will need to regroup and find ways to break through the Australian batting line-up to regain control. The match is finely poised, and much will depend on how the Indian bowlers strategize and execute their plans to dismantle the Australian batsmen.

The World Test Championship Final holds immense significance for both teams, as they vie for the coveted title. The players will be aware of the weight of the occasion and the impact their performances can have on their respective countries’ cricketing legacies.

As the match progresses, all eyes will be on the players to deliver their best and produce moments of brilliance that will be etched in cricketing history. Fans around the world eagerly await the outcome of this enthralling contest between two cricketing powerhouses.

In conclusion, Travis Head’s century and Steve Smith’s determined innings have put Australia in a commanding position against India on Day 1 of the World Test Championship Final. Despite an early setback, Australia finished the day with an impressive total, leaving India with a tough challenge ahead. The Test match promises to be a battle of skill, resilience, and determination as both teams compete for the ultimate prize in Test cricket.

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