After being despatched in to bat first, Australia confronted an out-of-sorts Indian assault that appeared to lack the mandatory penetration. India’s choice to go away out the skilled Ravichandran Ashwin backfired, because the pitch supplied little help to their bowlers as soon as the solar got here out.
Because it occurred: WTC Last, Day 1
Head, along with his aggressive stroke play, turned the tide in Australia’s favour. Partnering with the ever-dependable Steve Smith, Head amassed an unbeaten 251-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their alliance lifted Australia from a shaky 73 for 3 to a place of dominance, leaving the Indian bowlers pissed off and trying to find solutions.
The day started positively for India, with Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami delivering a fiery opening spell. Each pacers showcased glorious management and saved Australia in examine throughout the first hour of play. Siraj, specifically, bowled with a scrambled seam and extracted extra from the floor than his counterparts.
The large breakthrough for India got here when Shardul Thakur dismissed the well-set David Warner for 43 off 60 balls, breaking his partnership with Marnus Labuschagne. Warner’s dismissal got here from a well-directed quick ball, which he didn’t maintain down, and wicketkeeper KS Bharat took a pointy diving catch.
Nevertheless, it was Head’s aggressive strategy that stole the limelight. Untroubled by fuller deliveries, the left-hander used his fast wrists to flick the ball away when the Indian pacers focused his pads. He punished something quick and large on the off aspect with disdain, discovering the boundaries with ease.
Head notched up his fifty with a crisp back-foot punch off Shardul Thakur and grew much more audacious as his innings progressed. He reached the 90s with a spectacular six over third man off Mohammad Shami, displaying his fearless intent.
In the meantime, Steve Smith performed a supporting position to perfection, permitting Head to dominate proceedings. Smith’s elegant stroke play and skill to manoeuvre the ball across the discipline showcased his class. He capitalised on the left-arm spin of Ravindra Jadeja and performed some beautiful straight drives towards the pacers.
India’s choice to select an additional quick bowler on the expense of Ashwin raised eyebrows, and the absence of the seasoned spinner was deeply felt as Jadeja didn’t make an influence, going wicketless in his 14 overs.
Because the day wore on, the Indian bowlers tried to unsettle Head with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries. Nevertheless, as soon as Head settled into his groove, the short-ball tactic misplaced its effectiveness, and he continued to plunder runs with confidence.
At stumps on day one, Head remained unbeaten on 146, whereas Smith was poised on 95. Their unbroken partnership not solely steered Australia out of hassle but additionally solidified their dominance over a faltering Indian bowling assault.
With India left pondering the choice to exclude Ashwin and Rohit Sharma’s captaincy coming underneath scrutiny, the second day of the World Take a look at Championship ultimate guarantees to be a crucial one for the Indian staff. They might want to regroup, rediscover their rhythm, and discover methods to dismantle Australia’s resilient batting duo to show the tide of their favour.
(With inputs from PTI)
