Pat Cummins' Strategy for WTC Final 2023 Success

Day 1 of the World Test Championship final was nothing short of a blockbuster. While everyone was expecting the bowl to be swinging all around batsmen, it turned out to be the exact opposite. The Aussie batsmen have made the green grass pitch look like a flat road. Let's have a look at the first day of the WTC23 final.

S tarting off Rohit Sharma The Indian captain won the toss and wanted to bowl first, which wasn't a surprise. The pitch was green, and the Indian bowlers Shami and Siraj were coming off an excellent IPL season. The stage was all set for them to attack the kangaroos, and they started well. Shami bowled an excellent maiden over, putting pressure on Aussie openers Khawaja and David Warner, and in no time, Siraj struck with a beautiful outswing, kissing the thin edge of Khawaja's bat. In walks the world's No. 1 test batsman, Marnus Labuschagne, both of whom continued to bat well. David was striking the ball at his will at one point, scoring 16 runs in an over against Umesh Yadav, but just before lunch, Shardul struck, dismissing Warner on 43 with a caught behind.

 

Post-lunch, Australia had two of the most prominent test batsmen at the crease, Marnus and Steve Smith, who average 90+ at the oval. Shami immediately made an impact on the game by dismissing Marnus by bowling an absolute peach of a delivery, kissing the off stump. It is a dream delivery for any fast bowler, but that's where the fun has ended for Team India. What followed was an absolute masterclass of batting by the new batsmen Travis Head and Steve Smith, who both batted throughout the session, Head on 60 and Smith on 33. Both teams were looking balanced at the time of tea.

 

The last session of day 1 was completely dominated by these two well-settled batsmen. Both of them were making runs quickly, especially Travis, who is carrying his form from last year's Ashes, smashing a century in just 106 balls. By the end of the day, the Indian team looked absolutely clueless, frustrated by this 200-run partnership at stumps. Australia scored 327, while Travis is on 146 and Smith is on 95, continuing his dream run against India.

Day 2 is going to be crucial for both teams. While India would like some early wickets in the morning, Australia would hope the overnight batsmen will stay on the wicket for some time, helping their team put up a massive first innings lead. However, it is going to be an excellent day of test cricket tomorrow.