India blew it by opting to bowl first against Australia in the World Test Championship Final. Although, given the overhead conditions and the green, bouncy turf on offer, the call appeared to be spot on in the first hour, not realising the threat of chasing in the fourth innings after what happened after the end of day one must have made them reconsider their decision.
Furthermore, being forced to bench the world’s number one Test bowler and third-best all-rounder, Ravi Ashwin, added insult to injury. Many questioned this decision, which was supported by captain Rohit Sharma at the toss, who admitted it wasn’t easy to drop Ashwin.
Instead, Shardul Thakur, an extra seam-bowling all-rounder, was named to the XI. Despite taking David Warner’s prize wicket, the right-hander went for runs, conceding 75 runs in 18 overs. Umesh Yadav, the third seamer for this one-off Test, appeared out of sorts, with no wickets at the end of the day’s play.
Travis Head and Steve Smith made quick work of the Indian bowlers, who appeared oblivious to their plans after the sun decided to stay out of the clouds. With the pair on the verge of completing a 300-run stand, the outlook for Team India on day two appears bleak.
With four days left in the game, India still has a lot to play for. The way Mohammed Shami opened proceedings after lunch on day one, dismissing well-established Marnus Labuschagne clean bowled off a peach, India needs such a start to put a stop to Australia’s innings.
Also read: WTC Final 2023 Day 1 Highlights: Head & Smith Assert Dominance, Australia Ends the Day on 327/3
Getting rid of this pair must be India’s top priority, as anything less than 400 or 420 in Australia’s first innings would be a bonus. Then, in their first innings, with the wicket in their favor, India must seize the opportunity and try to build a few partnerships. Not to mention, they must respect the new ball in order to avoid the old fate of being forced out in a pinch.