PremiumInd vs Aus Day 2, WTC 2023 Final LIVE: India and Australia met today for Day 2 to play the World Test Championship (WTC). India is looking to lift the WTC title at the second attempt after losing to New Zealand in the final of the inaugural edition of the championship. The match is scheduled to be played over five days, from the 7th to the 11th of June, with a backup day available in case of adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, both India and Australia are missing some key players in the game. India lost the services of pacer Jasprit Bumrah, baller R Ashwin, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. Meanwhile, Australia have also seen their star player Josh Hazlewood miss the final Test due to a problem with his left Achilles, coupled with a strain in his left side arm.
Most cricket pundits and former cricketers, including Ricky Ponting, Wasim Akram, and Ross Taylor, have given the Kangaroos the edge as the match will be played in swinging conditions at The Oval in London.
As Steven Smith completed his 31st test century, Travis Head finished his 150 runs. But both were dismissed by Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj before Tea. Even Shami picked the wicket of Cameron Green.
Following the dismissal of Smith and Head, Indian bowlers gained momentum and took quick wickets, stopping Australia to 469. For India, Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur picked two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja clinched one. However, the star bowler for India was Mohammed Siraj who picked 4 important wickets and finished Australia'sthe day backup as first innings.
Despite Indian bowlers gaining momentum on Day 2 and restricting Australians at 469, the batting order could not stand tall ahead of the Australian bowling attack. India managed to cross the 151-run mark after losing 5 wickets at Stumps and is trailing by 318 runs.
Apart from Ajinkya Rahane (29) and Ravindra Jadeja (48), no other Indian batter could cross the 25-runs mark.
For Australia, all the bowlers – Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, and Nathan Lyon – picked one wicket each.
Catch all the LIVE Updates here from Day 2 of the WTC final.
Despite Indian bowlers gaining momentum on Day 2 and restricted the Australians at 469, the batting order could not stand tall ahead of the Australian bowling attack. India managed to cross the 151-runs mark after losing 5 wickets at Stumps and is trailing by 318 runs.
Apart from Ajinkya Rahane (29) and Ravindra Jadeja (48), no other Indian batter could cross the 25-runs mark.
For Australia, all the bowlers – Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon – picked once wickets each.
Just when a partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane was starting to build up, Nathan Lyon dismissed Jadeja when he was playing at 48 and about to score a half-century. The ball flighted off and went straight into the hands of Steven Smith. India is currently at 142/5 and trailing by 327 runs.
After India lost 4 wickets at 74-4, the 50-runs partnership up for Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane in just 84 balls. Currently, India is at 128/4 and trailing by 341 runs.
Currently, India is trailing by 357 runs.
Currently, India is trailing by 369 runs.
Currently, India is trailing by 371 runs.
Struggling to keep up wickets, India's Ajinkya Rahane was saved by a no ball, as Pat Cummins made a big LBW appeal which was given. But thanks to no ball, Rahane's wicket was saved. India is at 88/4 and trailing by 381 runs.
With India losing quick wickets, Ravindra Jadeja took the charge to pace up the game and have started scoring. Currently, India is at 83/4 in 20 overs and trailing by 386 runs.
With all set batters went back to pavilion, India's hope is on Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane to score for India. Currently, India is at 79/4 in 20 overs and trailing by 393 runs.
Just when India appeared to look stablized, Mitchell Starc dismissed Virat Kohli as Steven Smith takes an excellent overhead catch. India is now at 72/4 and trailing by 397 runs.
India is at 71/3 after Pujara's dismissal and trailing by 398 runs.
After Cheteshwar Pujara was sent to Pavilion, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane have paced up the game. India have scored 67/3 in 17 overs and trailing by 402 runs.
With India returning after the tea break, it lost the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara to Cameron Green. India is at 50/3 post tea break and trailing by 419 runs.
After Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill's ouster, all eyes are on Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara to stabilise and score for India. Currently, India is trailing by 432 runs. It has scored 37/2 in 10 overs.
Following Cummins LBWed Rohit Sharma (15), Scott Bolland bowled out Shubman Gill (13). With both the Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill returned to pavilion, the pressure is again on Virat Kohli to stablise the innings and score for India.
India is currently trailing by 439 runs.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins dismissed Indian skipper Rohit Sharma in the 6th over with a LBW. India scored at 30/1
Chasing 469 runs, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have scored 22 runs in three overs.
Looking forward to finishing off the Australian innings, India gave the bowling responsibility to Mohammed Siraj.
After dismissing Nathan Lyon by bowling a short ball in the previous over, he (Siraj) departed Aussie skipper Pat Cummins and finished the innings with a good slower ball. Cummins' catch was taken by Ajinkya Rahane at the extra cover, which was his 100th catch in Test cricket.
Australia has scored 469 runs after losing 10 wickets on Day 2 of WTC 2023 final.
With Australia inching towards 500 marks, Indian bowlers have made their presence felt and dominated the DAY 2 of WTC 2023 final at Ovals.
Post dismissing Travis Head, Mohammed Siraj departed Nathan Lyon by bowling a short ball, which hit off stump in the 120th over. This was his third wicket of the innnings.
Currently, Australia have scored 469 runs after losing 9 wickets in 121 overs.
Post lunch, India brought back the spinner's attack and Ravindra Jadeja dismissed set batter Alex Carey (48) via LBW.
Currently, Australia have scored 453 runs after losing 8 wickets in 115 overs.
After being dominated by the Australian batters Steven Smith (121) and Travis Head (163) on Day 1 of the WTC 2023 Final, Indian bowlers returned with their momentum and picked up 4 wickets in the Morning Session of the second day of the match.
Australia has scored 422 runs after losing 7 wickets in 109 overs. Currently, Alex Carey and Pat Cummins are on the pitch.
India's Axar Patel dismissed Mitchell Starc with a direct hit on the stumps as he tried to take a run. Australia is at 402/7 now.
Australia have breached 400-runs mark in 103 overs on Day 2 of WTC 2023 Final at Oval against India after losing 6 wickets.
Shardul Thakur dismissed batter Steven Smith in the 98.1 over. Smith scored 121 runs in 268 balls at a strike rate of 45.14. Australia at 387/6 in 98.1 overs.
After picking up Green, Shami appealed for an LBW for Alex Carey, to which the umpire said not out. Rohit Sharma nearly referred to the tv Umpire but stopped short.
To this, commentator Harsha Bhogle called Indian skipper a 'naughty' captain.
Australia is at 387/5 in 98 overs.
Soon after Siraj dismissed, Mohammed Shami picked up the wicket of Cameron Green in the 95th over as Shubman Gill caught a brilliant catch at second slip. Green scored only 6 runs in 7 balls.
Australia is now at 376/5.
After multiple efforts, India's Mohammed Siraj stops run-machine Travis Head as he dismissed him in the 91.1 over. Australia is at 367/4. Head scored 163 runs in 174 balls with a strike rate of 93.67.
The short-ball plan of India finally comes off as Siraj attacked Head's hip, and after he shuffled it across, the ball went straight to the keeper.
On the second day of the ICC World Test Championship Final at the Oval in London, Australian batter Steven Smith started the day by completing his 31st Test century, while set batter Travis Head finished his 150-runs mark. Currently, Australia had scored 357 runs after losing only three wickets, while Indian bowlers are trying their hard to pick early wickets.
Fans arrive at the The Oval in London for Day 2 of the WTC. On day 1, Steve Smith and Travis Head capped off an impressive display by Australia against India on the first day of the World Test Championship 2023 final at the Oval London. So, will Australia continue to have an upper hand or will India strike back on Day 2?
Steve Smith and Travis Head capped off an impressive display by Australia against India on the first day of the World Test Championship 2023 final at the Oval London on Wednesday.
Australia ended Day-1 with Travis Head and Steve Smith powering the Baggy Greens to 327/3, staying unbeaten at their respective scores of 146 (156) and 95 (227) respectively.
Australia batting
David Warner 43 (60)
Usman Khawaja 0 (10)
Marnus Labuschagne 26 (62)
Steve Smith* 95 (227)
Travis Head* 146 (156)
India bowling
Mohammad Shami 1/77 (20)
Mohammad Siraj 1/67 (19)
Umesh Yadav 0/54 (14)
Shardul Thakur 1/75 (18)
Ravindra Jadeja 0/48 (14)
WTC 2023 Final: India Squad Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat
Standby: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar and Suryakumar Yadav.
WTC 2023 Final: Australia Squad Pat Cummins (C), , Steve Smith (VC), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (WK), Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Michael Neser.
Standby: Mitch Marsh, Matthew Renshaw
As the Day 2 of the WTC Final between India and Australia will begin shortly, Harsh Bhoglae and Dinesh Kartik has shared their thoughts for today. While speaking to Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik said, "India need to come back in this game, their only chance is they pick up 3 early wicket in the first session."
Star Indian middle-order batter Virat Kohli has warned his team about the dangers that lie ahead of the WTC Final against Australia. Speaking to Star Sports, Kohli said, “I think The Oval will be challenging, we won’t get a flat wicket and batters need to be cautious. We will need to concentrate on our focus and discipline." Read more here
On Day 2, the weather is expected to be sunny and bright throughout the whole day in London, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Actor Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor sharing his reaction to the team selection for the ICC World Test Championship final said, “Terrible tragedy that @imVkohli isn’t test captain anymore there is no intensity / hunger without him at the helm the players are passive and just going through the motions under Rohit... poor team selection also Ashwin had to play + Bumrah out through injury is a huge blow."
The prestigious ICC WTC Final 2023 can be watched on all the Star Sports Network TV Channels while the match can also be live-streamed via the Disney+Hotstar App and Website. As per an official ICC release, the match can be viewed for free on the Indian government-owned TV Channel DD Sports.
Former player Harbhajan Singh has listed 3 things for Team India to bounce back in WTC 2023. On Day 1 , Steve Smith (95 batting) and Travis Head (146 batting) shared an unbroken 251-run partnership to put Australia in a commanding 327/3 heading into day two.
Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer on 8 June slammed the Indian bowlers for their poor in the Day 1 of WTC 2023 Final. In a tweet, Jaffer wrote “Partnerships are bound to happen but you still have to restrict the scoring by bowling tight lines. A wicketless session doesn't hurt as much when it's gone for 90-100 runs and not 147 which Ind gave in the final session yesterday. Goes without saying Ashwin was missed"
Australian greats Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting have slammed India's decision to drop premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for the World Test Championship final against Australia.
Ashwin, who is the No 1 bowler in Test cricket and India's leading wicket-taker in the 2021-23 WTC cycle, was dropped as the Rohit Sharma-led side bolstered the pace ammunition by playing four seamers.
After the day one's proceedings, Hayden told ICC, "I feel that Ravichandran Ashwin is such a key factor, the leading wicket taker in the Tests cycle is not there. There are a few factors worth pondering on in Team India's perspective,"
World Cup-winning captain Ponting termed Ashwin's exclusion a "mistake".
"So far for me, it looks like it was a mistake from them by playing the four seamers, but we will see how the game pans out," Ponting told the ICC.
"As this game goes on, I have got no doubt that there is going to be turn. Australia have got a lot of left-handers in their batting line-up to which Ashwin would have been perfectly suited for," he said, as Ashwin is the most successful bowler in Tests against left-handers.
Disappointed by India's defensive approach, former head coach Ravi Shastri has said Rohit Sharma did not show a "positive mindset" by electing to bowl in the World Test Championship final against Australia. "From what came out today, the mindset was to field if they won the toss, hence the choices in the bowling department -- four seamers one spinner," Shastri told ICC after the end of the opening day's play on Wednesday.
"If the mindset was positive you'd want to bat, rough it out in the first session and see if you can put 250 on board. Don't think too big 250-260 and if the conditions got better and you saw the first session through, you could have got more," he added.
Shastri further said Australia are in a prime position and it's up to Pat Cummins and his men to let India back into the marquee contest.
"I think Australia are in a prime position now. It's up to them to allow India back into the game, they batted beautifully, especially in the first session of play and that really set things up," Shastri said.
India have won 2, lost 3 and drawn 7 of the 14 matches they have played at The Oval.
The WTC 2023, Ind vs Aus Day 2 match will start at 3 pm. Stay tuned here for the live updates
Former Indian team coach Ravi Shastri gave his opinion on the favourites for the WTC Final 2023 while speaking to Star Sports, he said, “Look at the pace attacks. Which side has the better attack? If Bumrah was here, then I would say equal, with Shami, Bumrah and Siraj. But now when you look at that Australian attack - Cummins and Starc, though Hazlewood is gone,"
In a previous conversation with Star Sports, he had also said that the current Indian team is good enough to win the WTC Final and has played ‘very good’ cricket in ICC tournaments but luck has not always gone in their favour.
India have long been faced with the dilemma of playing two spinners or opting for an extra seamer in overseas conditions. Ahead of the WTC final, however, Sachin Tendulkar has some advice for the Indian team's selection for the all-important match.
Speaking to 100mbsports, Tendulkar said, “The Indian team will be happy that they are playing at the Oval. The nature of the Oval pitch is such that it assists the spinners as the match goes on. So, spinners will come into play a little bit. It need not be always a turning track as sometimes the spinners rely a lot on the bounce, sometimes that little bit of zip that they get off the pitch, also on the overhead conditions and it depends a lot on the shiny side of the ball."
As India excluded R Ashwin from the squad despite his vast experience and his performance against Australia, Shashi Tharoor in a tweet wrote, “Australia has recovered well from the early loss of a wicket in the Oval #WTC2023Final. Now I’d normally expect @ashwinravi99 to bowl a couple of overs before lunch. But incredibly enough, India has left the #1 ranked bowler in the world out of their team in the most spinner-friendly ground in England, against his favorite opponents, who are playing four left-handers in their top seven! Baffled, dismayed & bewildered."
Ahead of WTC Final 2023, Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar refuted the claim of Ricky Ponting that Australia will be at a slight advantage at the WTC Final. The Former Indian cricketer emphasised the importance of match practice before significant fixtures. While speaking to India today he said, “For a big match, you need miles under your feet. And most of the Indian players have done that. Even one player who was not in the IPL, Pujara was playing County Cricket and was scoring centuries for fun. So yes, the Indians are in a better position."
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