WTC 2021-23

‘Naak kategi saaf dikh raha hai’ – Fans react as Australia take the upper hand on Day 2 of WTC 2021-23 Final vs India

India trail Australia by 318 runs with 5 wickets in hand at stumps, Day 2 of WTC Final 2021-23

Jun 8, 2023 10:50 pm

The World Test Championship (WTC) cycle’s highly anticipated final is currently taking place at the Oval in London with the two finalists, Australia and India. Travis Head became the inaugural centurion of the WTC Final on Day 1. On Day 3, some Australia masterclasses took place. First, Steve Smith added another century, and then Travis Head reached the 150-run milestone.

Australia eventually scored 469 runs in the first inning before being shut down by the Indian bowlers, who then took control of the game. Mohammed Siraj remained India’s go-to bowler with 4/108. At the same time, Ravindra Jadeja claimed one wicket, while Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur both returned to the field with two wickets. Travis Head, who continues to be the Australians’ show-stopper with 163 from 174, was closely followed by Steve Smith, who finished with 121 off 268.

India’s rescue operation was led by Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja

India got off to a solid start, amassing 30 runs without losing a wicket, thanks to its two openers. However, on Pat Cummins’ sixth ball of the sixth over, Rohit was caught at the crease. The skipper of India departed the game cheaply after scoring 15 runs off of 26 balls, including two fours.

In the following over alone, Shubman Gill was out for 13 runs off of 15 balls; his innings featured two fours. On the fourth ball of the over, Boland threw an inswinger, which Gill easily handled. The ball struck his off-stump, costing India their second wicket. After only five deliveries, India was in deep trouble as 30 runs for two wickets were scored.

The two openers were followed by India’s top test performer, Cheteshwar Pujara, who was dismissed after being bowled by Cameron Green. Only 14 out of 25 could be mustered by Pujara, including two fours. Virat Kohli quickly received directions to the pavilion from Mitchell Starc. Kohli added 14 points off of 31 while hitting two fours.

Ravindra Jadeja played well for his 48 off 51 but was the next wicket to fall as Nathan Lyon joined the party. India closed the Day at 151/5 with Ajinkya Rahane batting at 29* off 71 and KS Bharat alongside him at 5* off 14, trailing Australia by 318 runs.

Here’s how fans reacted:

All are dream 11 ad boys… just focusing on 🤑 ..

— Parth Kamaliya (@16arth) June 8, 2023

We're seriously playing WTC final?🥲

— Mukesh Bihari McGrath (@rohancric947) June 8, 2023

Hope for rain washout on day 3,4 and 5 for a draw or else me might see an innings defeat

— Sai Shreyas (@SaiShre43225906) June 8, 2023

Better loose tomorrow than day after tomorrow.
Pathetic performance

— Avishek Goyal (@AG_knocks) June 8, 2023

Rohit still the third highest run getter 😎 pic.twitter.com/WwZXlzRjZA

— pussy boy (@MightBeing) June 8, 2023

Zimrat kohli test average in Eng is 31 and King babar test average in England is 63 and he owns Anderson in last 2 tours dont compare with King babar 🤣🤣🤣 even imam ul haq is better than kohli🤣

— Muhammad Farhan (@_Me_Farhan_) June 8, 2023