"India vs. Australia: Dominant Day 1 by Australia Sets the Stage for an Epic World Test Championship Final"

DAY 1 OF WTC FINAL :
CAN WE SEE THE COMEBACK OF OUR BOWLERS ?

The World Test Championship (WTC) final commenced at The Oval on June 7, featuring an intense battle between India and Australia. On the opening day of the Test, Australia displayed their dominance, with exceptional performances from Travis Head and Steve Smith.

Travis Head exhibited his batting prowess by delivering an unbeaten and remarkable score of 146, while Steve Smith showcased his skill, concluding the day not out on 95. Under the leadership of Pat Cummins, the formidable Australian team accumulated an impressive total of 327 runs for the loss of only three wickets in 85 overs.

Capturing the undivided attention of the global cricket community, Cricket Australia released a captivating video highlighting the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict the outcome of the World Test Championship final. The AI-generated test result, narrated by an Australian cricket player, delivered an unexpected verdict, adding an intriguing element to the title match.

In terms of India's performance, the decision to select a fourth fast bowler over R Ashwin became a significant talking point. Although this strategy had worked against England in 2021, the Indian team struggled to maintain control with the third and fourth pacers, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur. Together, they bowled 32 overs, conceding 129 runs and claiming a solitary wicket.

Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj showcased their usual proficiency with the new ball, restricting Australia to 29 runs in the first 12 overs and dismissing Usman Khawaja for a duck. The subsequent false responses created suggested the potential for more breakthroughs.

However, Umesh and Thakur, serving as change-up bowlers, allowed Australia to score relatively easy runs at various intervals. Umesh provided a half-volley to David Warner, who took advantage of it, hitting four boundaries in his second over. Just before lunch, Thakur managed to have Warner caught down the leg side off a short ball.

After lunch, India turned to their likeliest wicket-takers, Siraj and Shami. Shami's first delivery was exceptional, uprooting Marnus Labuschagne's off stump. India still had an opportunity to gain control if they could maintain the right bowling rhythm.

Travis Head, who had lost his No. 5 position in previous matches, took charge of the situation. While Shami troubled him initially, Head responded with aggressive strokes through the off side, leaving India struggling for answers. India adjusted their field, moving a slip out to place a sweeper on the off side, but Head capitalized on anything too straight, hitting two boundaries off Siraj.

In contrast, Steve Smith faced difficulties adjusting to the uneven bounce and sideways movement. However, he continued to battle while Head went on the attack. Head appeared to be in better form but offered false responses more frequently, with Smith displaying greater control (90%) compared to Head (69%). Their respective roles were clear—Smith building the innings while Head counterattacked.

Smith found greater ease when Shardul Thakur bowled full and straight too often. Thakur's ambitious approach, often successful with the support of three world-class pacers, was not as effective in this scenario. Smith capitalized on the opportunity, resulting in a fruitful 16-run over.

Despite the favorable conditions for fast bowlers, it was notable that India turned to Ravindra Jadeja before Umesh in the middle session. Thakur attempted a leg-side attack reminiscent of India's success in Australia, but Smith remained well-settled.