IND vs AUS – Day 1, WTC Final 2023: Travis Head and Steve Smith Run Riot, India Struggles as Australia Ends Day 1 in Control at 327/3

In what can only be described as a horrific and harrowing start for team India in the World Test Championships final against Australia, the Indian bowlers were thoroughly outplayed as Australia amassed 327 runs for the loss of just three wickets at the close of play.

After Mohammed Shami dismissed Marnus Labuschagne in the 25th over shortly after lunch on Day one, reducing Australia to 76/3, the Indian bowlers appeared completely at a loss, failing to make any more breakthroughs as Australia continued to dominate.

The Australian star batter Steve Smith and Travis Head orchestrated a magnificent 251-run unbeaten partnership for the fourth wicket. While Smith left the field on day one after a splendid innings of 95 runs from 227 balls, Travis Head’s resolute performance saw him finish the day with an unbeaten 146 off just 156 deliveries.

The trio of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur managed to claim one wicket each for Team India in the initial phase of the game. However, it was a woeful display by the Indian bowlers as all of them conceded an economy rate of over three runs per over on the opening day, emphasizing their dismal performance.

India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Srikar Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

Australia Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

IND vs AUS – Day 1, WTC Final 2023 Brief Score:

Australia (1st Inns)

327/3 (85 Overs)

Travis Head	146* (156)	Mohammed Shami	77/1 (20)
Steve Smith	95* (227)	Mohammed Siraj	67/1 (19)
David Warner	43(60)	Shardul Thakur	75/1 (18)