The ICC World Test Championship between India and Australia kickstarted on Wednesday at the Oval in London. The first day of the game was quite intense after India invited Australia to bat first on a green wicket. Rohit Sharma’s pacers exploited the conditions and came out all guns blazing.
The Indian pacers did make an impact initially but then Australia made a comeback as Travis Head scored a brilliant century while Smith showed why he is the best Test batter in the world. Steve Smith is a pure entertainer, be it with the bat or with his facial expressions, he does it all. Once again on Wednesday, his crazy facial expressions were quite evident on the field. He kept on making unique faces while playing tough deliveries from Shami and other Indian bowlers.
Talking about the game, Australia ended on 327 for 3 at the stumps on the opening day of their World Test Championship Final against India on Wednesday. Left-hander batter Travis Head and former Australia skipper Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 146 and 95 respectively. The Kangaroos piled up 157 runs in the final session without losing any wickets. The duo went on to add 251 runs for the fourth wicket after being invited to bat first by Rohit Sharma and Co.
For India, it was Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur who scalped a wicket.
India's Playing XI: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
Australia's Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
Brief Scores: Australia 1st Innings: 327 for 3 in 85 overs (David Warner 43, Travis Head 146 batting, Steve Smith 95 batting; Mohammed Siraj 1/67, Shardul Thakur 1/75, Mohammed Shami 1/77).