Travis Head and Steve Smith showcased their batting prowess, capitalizing on a lackluster Indian bowling attack, as they forged an extraordinary unbeaten partnership of 251 runs for the fourth wicket. Their stellar performance propelled Australia to a commanding total of 327/3 at stumps on Day 1 of the World Test Championship final at The Oval.
The day commenced with India opting to bowl first amidst overcast skies, fielding a four-man fast-bowling lineup and sparking discussions over the exclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin. The Indian team made early inroads, reducing Australia to 76/3.
However, Head launched a fierce counter-attack, seizing the opportunity presented by the sunny weather and a favorable batting pitch. He crafted a magnificent unbeaten innings of 146 from just 156 balls, comprising 22 fours and a six. This remarkable knock marked his maiden century on foreign soil and became the first-ever hundred scored in the prestigious WTC final.
While Head played the role of the aggressor, benefiting from loose deliveries and width offered by the Indian bowlers, Steve Smith displayed his trademark grit and determination from the other end. Despite not finding his fluent best, Smith remained resolute and ended the day unbeaten on 95 from 227 deliveries, including 14 boundaries.
Initially, the Indian bowlers showed promise, occasionally beating the bat and maintaining pressure. However, their inconsistency allowed Head and Smith to take control, piling on boundaries and wearing down the Indian side under the scorching afternoon sun.
In the final session, Head began with authority, dispatching a half-volley from Ravindra Jadeja for a boundary and driving Umesh Yadav through the covers for another four. He showcased his aggressive intent by executing two exquisite ramps off Mohammed Shami, resulting in a boundary and a six, propelling him into the 90s.
Smith also contributed to the partnership's dominance, commencing the session with a well-timed boundary off Umesh, followed by two more boundaries through the mid-on region. He eventually reached his half-century in 144 balls. Despite facing a barrage of sharp bouncers, Head weathered the storm, even enduring a hit on the helmet from Siraj.
Head reached his well-deserved century in just 106 balls by confidently pulling a delivery over backward square leg for a single. Boundaries continued to flow as Smith flicked Siraj for four, while Head punched Shami through the covers.
Smith adopted an attacking approach, dispatching Shardul Thakur for four with a flick, followed by a lofted shot over mid-off for another boundary. He continued his fine form by timing a drive through the covers for two more boundaries.
From there on, Head effortlessly accumulated boundaries with an array of shots, including whips, punches, lofts, and ramps, while Smith confidently cleared the long-off fielder. Even with the introduction of the new ball, the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, as Smith and Head continued to find boundaries off Shami and Siraj, culminating in a beautifully timed drive by Smith to end the day on a high note.
Brief Scores: Australia 327/3 in 85 overs (Travis Head 146 not out, Steve Smith 95 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/67, Shardul Thakur 1/75) against India