WTC Final: India lose openers early after impressive comeback in bowling

Australia were bowled out for 469

By Web Desk
June 08, 2023
Pat Cummins celebrated the wicket of Rohit Sharma - AP

Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill fell prey to Pat Cummins and Scott Boland respectively as Australia started off well with the ball on day two of the ICC Test Championship final at The Oval. 

After being bowl out for 469 runs, Australia got a good start with the ball. Cummins removed Sharma (15) in sixth over followed by Boland taking the priced wicket of young Gill (13). 

Australia were all out for 469 runs in the first innings, thanks to solid comeback by the Indian bowlers. 

Despite getting a bright start after taking three early wickets on day one, India could not carry on the same momentum.

Usman Khawaja fell to Mohammad Siraj in just the fourth over. 

David Warner gave life to Australia’s early collapse as he scored 43 runs with the help of eight fours. But he was removed by Shardul Thakur. The Aussies faced another setback as Marnus Labuschagne was bowled by Mohammad Shami just after scoring 26 runs.

Travis Head and Steve Smith took control of the match when the Aussies had lost three wickets for just 76 runs, as they created a record partnership of 285 runs for the fourth wicket at The Oval.

Head hit 163 off 174 balls with the help of 25 fours and a six. Meanwhile, Smith was the second-highest top-scorer for the Aussies as he scored 121 off 268 balls with 19 fours. Later on, wicketkeeper Alex Carey scored 48 runs while batting at number seven on day two.

Siraj took four wickets for 108 runs. Shami and Thakur both took two wickets each for 122 and 83 runs respectively. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja only managed to bag one.

India were 37-2 at Tea on the second day. 

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