Australia dominated India on the opening day of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the Oval in London after Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first. At the close of play, the Aussies demonstrated absolute control with Travis Head and Steve Smith leading the charge. Head remained unbeaten on 146 runs, while Smith, on the verge of his 31st Test century, scored an impressive 95 not out as Australia finished the day’s play at 327/3.
India did perform well in the first session as Australia were in a spot of bother, having lost three wickets for 76. However, Smith and Head completely changed the game with their unbeaten partnership of 251 runs for the fourth wicket.
Head showcased why he is considered a formidable batter as he delivered one of the most exceptional Test innings against India. Notably, the left-handed explosive batter became the first player to smash a century in a WTC final. While Head took on the role of the aggressor, forging a hard-fought partnership with Smith, the latter played a supporting role until reaching his half-century.
Towards the conclusion of the opening day’s play, Smith showcased his skills by delivering a flurry of delightful shots. Taking advantage of India’s sluggish over-rate, he maximized a few additional minutes on the field. Currently, Smith stands just 5 runs away from hitting his 31st Test century and his 9th triple-figure score against India.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
This game is in Australia’s camp at the moment. For India to come back, the new ball has to change things in the first hour. If it doesn’t, the tired legs can feel even more tired very quickly.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 7, 2023
First Test ton away from home and what a time to do it! Well played Travis Head 👏🏽 #WTCFinal2023 pic.twitter.com/m5ClkOFD4Y
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 7, 2023
1st Day on the Name of @CricketAus @stevesmith49 & Travis Head made #Australia on Driver seat. #INDvsAUS #WTCFinal #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/QBfltLTjSw
— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) June 7, 2023
From Bowling 4 overs regularly to bowling 15-20 overs a day is a big jump. #INDvsAUS
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 7, 2023
Fifty in 2015 WC Quarter-Final.
Hundred in 2015 WC Semi-Final.
Fifty in 2015 WC Final.
Fifty in 2019 WC Semi-Final.
Fifty* in 2023 WTC Final.Steve Smith is a big match player, stands tall for Australia. pic.twitter.com/83OVXZpPJM
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 7, 2023
It was at The Oval in 2019 that Travis Head lost his place in the Australian XI when Justin Langer took him for a walk around the ground. Here he is four years later, standing tall as the first-ever centurion in a #WTCFinal & proving that he’s here to stay. Sensational innings pic.twitter.com/MAagNOOejz
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) June 7, 2023
He’s the Pride of South Australia. #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/ZfzBZqTZSE
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) June 7, 2023
The dominance of Steven Smith and Travis Head from the 2nd session.
Both have put on a 251* partnership! pic.twitter.com/RuMQE5lZf9
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 7, 2023
India started off well, but the duo of Head and Smith kept the bowlers at bay for the rest of the day. 🤯
Hoping for a strong comeback from #TeamIndia on Day 2️⃣.
📸 Credits: BCCI#WTCFinal2023 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/7OTbgsJv2A
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) June 7, 2023
In WTC Final history:
•Highest team score – 267/3* by AUS.
•Highest individual score – 107* by Head.
•First centurion – Travis Head.
•First 100 partnership – Head & Smith.
•Two players secord 50+ first time – Head & Smith. pic.twitter.com/FYX9LEzCu6— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) June 7, 2023
End to a gruelling first day of the #WTC23 Final! ⚔️
We trust the boys to strike back stronger tomorrow! 👊#PlayBold #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/ThxvjmP6EW
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) June 7, 2023
😭 Travis Head today: pic.twitter.com/s5NTzgnVDM
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) June 7, 2023
Never miss an update, visit Google News & FOLLOW US.
Share with a Cricket fan!
TAGS: Australia, AUSvIND, ICC World Test Championship 2021-23, ICC World Test Championship final, India, Steve Smith, Travis Head, WTC FInal, WTC Final 2023
CATEGORY: ICC World Test Championship, Travis Head
For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.