The Indian top-order suffered another collapse, allowing the Australian attack to gain firm control of the WTC 2023 final on Day 2 at the Oval in London. By the end of play on Day 2, India had reached a score of 151/5. Rahane (29*) and Bharat (5*) remained unbeaten at stumps.
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Starting the final session at 37/2, Pujara (3*) and Kohli (4*) were at the crease. India reached the 50-run mark in 13.4 overs, with Pujara showing confidence and hitting a four. However, Pujara’s dismissal followed soon after, leaving him with 14 runs. Kohli and Rahane then took charge of building the innings, but Kohli fell for 14, reducing India to 71/4.
Rahane continued his partnership with Jadeja, who displayed excellent form with some elegant drives. They reached the 50-run partnership and took India to 100 in 24.5 overs. However, Jadeja was dismissed for 48 off 51 balls, breaking the partnership and leaving India at 142/5. Bharat joined Rahane, and they took India to the 150-run mark before the close of the day in the WTC 2023 final.
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While the Indian pacers made a comeback and dismissed both Australian openers in the second session, Australia remained in a strong position after scoring 469 runs. At Tea, India’s score was 37/2, with Pujara (3*) and Kohli (4*) at the crease.
Australia started the second session at 422/7, with Carey (22*) and Cummins (2*) unbeaten. Carey played aggressively and hit three fours off Shami in the 113th over. However, Jadeja trapped Carey lbw for 48, and Australia stood at 453/8. Cummins continued the innings with Lyon, but Siraj dismissed Lyon for nine, reaching his milestone of 50 Test wickets. Cummins was the last wicket to fall, caught by Rahane off Siraj’s delivery after scoring nine runs. Australia finished their WTC 2023 final first innings on 469.
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Siraj was the leading wicket-taker for India, taking 4/108, followed by Thakur with 2/83 and Shami with 2/122. Jadeja claimed one wicket. In India’s batting, Rohit (15) and Gill (13) were dismissed early, but Kohli and Pujara held on without further loss until lunch.
During the first session of the second day, the pace trio of Siraj, Shami, and Thakur bowled tightly and helped India make a comeback. Australia started the day at 327/3, with Smith (95*) and Head (146*) at the crease. Smith reached his century, and Head scored 150. The 350-run mark was crossed in the 90th over. Siraj took the wicket of Head for 163, and Shami dismissed Green for six. Thakur secured the crucial wicket of Smith for 121. Australia reached 400 in 102.5 overs. Patel ran out Starc for five. Carey and Cummins resisted the Indian pace attack, taking Australia to lunch without further damage.
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Australia had ended the first day of the WTC 2023 final at 327/3 with Smith (95*) and Head (146*) unbeaten.
