Cricket

'Bhai naak mat katana bass' - Fans abuzz as Australia close out Day 1 of WTC 2021-23 final at 327/3

Australia closed out Day 1 of the World Test Championship Final at the Oval at a score of 327/3. Here's how fans reacted at stumps.

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Day 1, WTC 2021-23 Final

Day 1, WTC 2021-23 Final (Source: Twitter)

Day 1 of the much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final went underway with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma winning the toss and electing to field first. However, the decision did not quite favour the Indians as currently, the Aussies seem to be flying away with the Test Mace.

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Before the play got underway, a minute’s silence was observed for the victims of the recent Odisha Train Tragedy. The players of the two teams as well as the officials played with a black armband to mark their respect for all who lost their lives or were injured in the horrible train mishap.

The first century ever in a World Test Championship final was recorded by Australian batsman Travis Head on Wednesday. With his quick score, the Australia sensation put India under early strain. He used a counterattacking style of play. The Southpaw needed just 106 balls to rapidly cross the three-figure threshold. Notably, no player scored a century in the first cycle's final between India and New Zealand.

Steve Smith and Travis Head stole the show on Day 1

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The Aussies closed out the day at 327/3 with Steve Smith nearing his hundred and Travis Head nearing his 150. They are currently batting at 95* off 227 and 146* off 156 respectively. As for the Indian bowlers, they have had a day to forget with Ravindra Jadeja and Umesh Yadav yet to get their wickets’ column ticking. Mohammad Siraj has the best figures with 1/67 in 19 overs, Shardul Thakur with 1/75 in 18 overs and Mohammed Shami with 1/77 in 20 overs follow.

Australia seemed to be completely in control of the game and to be in the driver's seat. Having only three dismissals in the game thus far, the Indians have had difficulty getting wickets. Interestingly, if the match is a draw, the Test Mace for this cycle of the WTC will be shared between the two finalists. In the previous cycle, India played New Zealand and lost by an 8-wicket margin in a rain-drenched final.

Here’s how fans reacted at the end of the Day’s play:

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India Australia featured Twitter Reactions World Test Championship (2021-23)