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Wed, 07 June 2023
WTC Final: Head hits ton, Smith 95; Aus 372/3 at close
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22:38 Australia dominate opening day
Aus 327-3 (85 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Head plays and misses again as he chases the wide delivery from Shami and is beaten again as he looks cut the pacer.
He gets the edge off the fifth ball but it goes past the slips for a four and he keeps strike with a single from the last ball.
Siraj starts his new over with a wide half-volley which Head crashes through the covers for a four.
The next ball is again overpitched as Head comes up with another cracking shot, -- a beautiful on-drive through the vacant mid-on region for a four.
He taps the third ball on the leg side for one before Smith misses out on the glance off a full delivery on the pads and Bharat comes up with a diving stop to save some runs.
Shami to bowl the final over of the day. Head punches the first ball in the gap through the covers and the two batters still have enough energy to push for three.
Smith ends the day in grand style as he plays a delightful drive through the covers for a four.
Australia dominated the opening day to finish on a strong 327/3 in 85 overs at stumps.
Head came out attacking to rally Australia after a difficult start as he smashed 146 not out from 156 balls, with 22 fours and a six. Smith continued his good record at The Oval with a solid knock of 95 from 227 balls.
The duo put on an unbroken stand of 251 runs from 370 balls to give Australia the upper hand.
They took apart the Indian bowlers in the final session, scoring 157 runs in 34 runs at a run rate of 4.61 to put their team in complete control.
22:18 Head, Smith take Australia past 300
Aus 306-3 (82 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Siraj comes back into the attack. Not a surprise that he starts with a short ball to Head, who miscues it for a single on the off-side to bring up Australia's 300, in the 80th over.
Smith steers the fourth ball for another run and Head continues to chance his arms against Siraj. This time he bottom edges the pull shot which narrowly misses the stumps and goes through to the wicketkeeper.
Australia are 301/3 in 80 overs as India take the second new ball in the next over after Shami bowled a couple of deliveries in his new spell.
Shami gets some swing with the new red ball as Smith defends with utmost caution and blocks the next with a straight bat and does the same next ball.
The last ball is left alone as Shami starts his new spell with a maiden over.
Siraj bowls a beauty, getting the ball to swing away and Head pushing away from his body is beaten. He drives the next into the off-side for a single and Smith keeps out the next two before he plays a beautiful cover drive for a four to take his score into the 90s.
22:03 Head, Smith put on 200-run stand!
Aus 299-3 (79 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Thakur tries the short ball but Smith easily pulls it for a a single. Head on the attack as he plays the inside out lofted shot over the covers for a four.
Thakur goes short and this time Head ramps it over the slips for a boundary but is beaten next ball as it stays quite low. He plays and misses again last ball as he looks to cut Thakur as the invariable bounce comes into play again.
Jadeja not creating any problems against the two well-set batters, who easily pick him for three singles.
Infact, Head has a close shave as he looks to swing the spinner over midwicket but is beaten.
Head is looking to go on the attack and score some quick runs before the new ball is taken after 80 overs.
Smith comes down the track to Jadeja and again despite not getting to the pitch he goes through the loft over mid-off for a four.
21:48 Head, Smith put on 200-run stand!
Aus 280-3 (75 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Jadeja continues as Smith takes a single from the second ball and Head cuts the next for a four, to raise the 200-run stand for the fourth wicket from 295 balls.
This match is getting away from India's grasp with Australia looking set for a huge first innings total.
Unless they manage a wicket or two before stumps, Australia will be in complete control at close on the opening day.
Thakur bowls five dot balls in a row to Smith, who retains strike with a single from the last ball.
The runs are coming quite freely for Australia. Smith and Head pick a single each off Jadeja before the former takes one off the last ball to retain strike.
21:39 Head hits century; Australia in control
Aus 271-3 (72 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Thakur, who took 1/52 in 12 overs, is back into the attack. He makes a shabby start overstepping off the first ball of his new spell to concede a no-ball.
Thakur tempts Smith with the outswinger pitched just outside the off-stump but he is happy to let it go, followed by a block.
Thakur bowls a half-volley on leg stump which Smith flicks in some style through midwicket for a four, to take Australia past 250.
He picks two more runs off the next ball through the same region and nearly ends up dragging the last ball back on to his stumps.
Jadeja is back into the attack. Head clips the first ball for a single before Smith jumps down the track and despite not getting to the pitch he manages to get it over the fielder at mid-off for a four.
But he times the cover drive to perfection for another boundary two balls later as Smith takes his score into the 70s.
Thakur from the other end. Head breathing easy as Thakur not fast enough to try the short ball strategy and he easily steers the pacer to thirdman for a single.
Smith edges the third ball but it goes through the fielder at third slip for another run.
Jadeja from the other end. Smith flicks the first ball through midwicket for two runs and he defends the next with a straight bat.
Jadeja targetting the stumps but Smith well forward to block it out as he keeps out the rest of the over.
Thakur starts his new over with a leg side delivery which Head uses his wrists to good effect to whip it behind square on the leg side for a four in some style.
Thakur adjusts his line to the off-stump cordon as Head defends the next two balls into the covers.
He blocks the next back to the bowler and keeps out the last two balls of the over.
Travis Head avoids the bouncer from Mohammed Shami.
21:15 Head hits century; Australia in control
Aus 247-3 (67 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
No surprise as Siraj continues to target Head with the short balls. The left-hander is struck high on the pads first ball before he pulls the next to fine leg for a single.
Siraj from round the wicket to Smith, who defends the next few balls before clipping the last ball off his pads for a four.
The runs are coming quite freely now. Shami makes the mistake of giving some room as Head rocks back to punch it to the right of the fielder at mid-off for a four.
Shami reverts to the short ball tactics as Head tries the pull shot but is beaten and mishits the next bouncer on the leg side.
Another play and miss by Head as he look to take on the short ball and he keeps out the last two balls as Shami bowls a bit fuller.
21:11 Head hits century; Australia in control
Aus 238-3 (65 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Siraj starts his new over with a short ball as Head is beaten trying to upper cut it over the slips. He is looking quite nervy, playing a few loose shots as he approaches his century.
Another superb century as Head looks to fend it away but is struck on the gloves with the ball going to fine leg for a single, to take his score to 99.
Siraj tries the bouncer at Smith who easily ducks under it followed by the same result next ball.
Siraj oversteps to concede a no-ball before Smith keeps out the last two balls.
The short ball causing Head quite a few problems. Shami nearly takes off Head with a deadly short ball as he does well to sway out of the way.
He pulls the next ball but on the bounce to the fielder at square leg.
Head miscues the pull shot off the fourth ball for a single to bring up his century from just 106 balls -- his first century away from home and his first against India.
That was a top edge which fell in the vacant space over square leg to help Head complete one of the most important centuries of his Test career in a big final.
Shami bowls a high bouncer which sails high over Smith and the wicketkeeper and is ruled five wides.
21:03 Head hits century; Australia in control
Aus 232-3 (64.3 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Siraj starts his new over with a short ball as Head is beaten trying to upper cut it over the slips. He is looking quite nervy, playing a few loose shots as he approaches his century.
Another superb century as Head looks to fend it away but is struck on the gloves with the ball going to fine leg for a single, to take his score to 99.
Siraj tries the bouncer at Smith who easily ducks under it followed by the same result next ball.
Siraj oversteps to concede a no-ball before Smith keeps out the last two balls.
The short ball causing Head quite a few problems. Shami nearly takes off Head with a deadly short ball as he does well to sway out of the way.
He pulls the next ball but on the bounce to the fielder at square leg.
Head miscues the pull shot off the fourth ball for a single to bring up his century from just 106 balls -- his first century away from home and his first against India.
20:54 Head, Smith hit 50s; Australia in control
Aus 230-3 (63 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Head looks to drive Shami as he gets the edge which flies past the fielder at second slip for a single and Smith defends the next with a straight bat.
Smith taps the third into the leg side before he blocks the next two and leaves the last ball.
Siraj comes back into the attack in place of Umesh. He starts with a short ball aimed at Head's head who awkwardly ducks under it as he seems to have misjudged it.
Another bouncer which Head pulls to deep midwicket for two runs.
Siraj not holding back as Head is struck on the helmet this time after missing the pull shot.
He undergoes the concussion test as the physio comes out. Siraj bowls another short ball as Head mishits the pull shot for a single.
Smith taps the last ball on the leg side for a quick single to bring up his fifty, from 144 balls.
Some encouragement for India as Shami gets the ball to swing away to beat Smith, who pushes away from his body.
Smith edges the next ball but it flies wide of the slips for two runs and he picks a single on the leg side.
Head pulls the last ball for another run to take his score to 98.
20:40 Head, Smith take Australia past 200
Aus 221-3 (60 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
No Siraj after the tea break still as Umesh continues. Head again is unable to get hold of the pull shot as he miscues down the pitch before he clips the next through midwicket for two runs, followed by a single.
Umesh bowls a short wide delivery which Smith crashes through point for a four to take his score to 40.
Shami from the other end. Head gets a single from the first ball to bring up Australia's 200, in the 59th over.
Smith gets a single off the next ball to fine leg and Head upper cuts the fourth ball for a four over the slips.
Another short wide delivery and this time Head again upper cuts it over the slips for a six to take his score into the 90s.
Australia have got a move along with 27 coming from the last three overs.
Umesh to bowl his 14th over. The first ball is on the pads as Head nudges it on the leg side for a single before Smith plays a cracking straight drive back past the bowler for a four.
Smith shuffles across to flick another overpitched delivery from Umesh past the fielder at mid-on for another four.
35 runs from the last four over as Australia take their score to 221/3 in 60 overs.
20:25 Head, Smith build Australia's total
Aus 192-3 (57 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Umesh drifts on the pads as Head clips it through square leg for a single and Smith continues to be dogged with his defence, not wanting to play any loose shots at this stage.
With Head scoring at a strike rate of above 85, Australia are quite comfortably placed at the moment.
Umesh has come back well after a poor first spell as he bowls another tight over, conceding just a single in his 12th over.
Shami starts his new over with a short ball as Head miscues the pull shot. The next ball is short and wide as Head cuts it past the fielder at gully for a four as the fielder barely had time to react.
Head punches the next ball square on the off-side for a single and Smith edges the next but it falls well short of Kohli at first slip, followed by singles off the last two balls.
Head and Smith have already put on 116 runs for the fourth wicket to build Australia's total on the first day.
20:16 Head hits fifty; Australia on top
Aus 184-3 (55 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Head looking in complete control. Slight width from Umesh as Head makes most of it, punching it through the covers for a four and misses the clip for just a leg bye.
Smith shuffles across and misses the nudge to fine leg as India appeal for catch down the leg side but umpire is not interested.
The incoming delivery from Umesh stays low as Smith adjusts well to keep it out before he pulls the last ball to fine leg for a single to retain strike.
Shami comes back into the attack in place of Jadeja, with India needing a wicket to make a comeback.
He starts with a delivery away from the stumps as Smith leaves and watchfully keeps out the rest of the over.
20:08 Head hits fifty; Australia on top
Aus 178-3 (53 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Umesh starts off with the ball in the final session on Day 1. The first ball swings into left-hander Head, who misses the clip and is hit on the pads, but manages to get a leg bye.
Smith at his watchful best as he defends the next into the off-side and blocks the third ball as he plays out the rest of the over.
Jadeja from the other end. Rohit could have tried either Shami or Siraj for a short burst after the break but he decides to go in with Jadeja's spin.
Jadeja starts with a wide half-volley which Head drills through the covers for a four and then takes a single to raise the 100-run stand for the fourth wicket.
The two batters pick a single each off the last two balls, to get seven runs from the over.
19:45 Head hits fifty; Australia 170/3 at tea
Aus 170-3 (51 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Umesh showing much better control in his second spell. He has settled into a good rhythm, keeping it in the channel just outside the off-stump, bowling six dot balls in a row to Smith for his second maiden over in succession.
Jadeja and Umesh building together a nice partnership with the ball, stringing some tight overs in a bid to build some pressure before the tea break.
Jadeja also bowls a tidy over, giving away just a single in his sixth over.
Umesh finally concedes a run after two maiden overs in a row. Head smashes the short wide delivery square on the off-side for a four and picks a single off the next.
Smith looks to defend and gets the edge as the ball moves away slightly but the edge falls well short of the slips.
Jadeja to bowl the final over of the session. Head defends the full delivery back to the bowler and pushes the next into the off-side followed by two more dot balls.
He punches the fifth ball into the covers as the fielder fumbles to concede a single and Smith keeps out the last ball.
Australia go into the tea break on 170/3 in 51 overs, having scored 97 runs from 28 overs for the loss of just one wicket in the second session.
Head give Australia the impetus as he stroked 60 from 75 balls, while Smith played the supporting role with a patient 33 from 102 balls.
The duo kept the Indian bowlers at bay as they put on 94 runs for the fourth wicket.
Australia have taken the second session in a row to take the upperhand and India desperately need a couple of wickets after tea.
19:28 Head hits half-century to boost Australia
Aus 163-3 (47 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Thakur drifts on the pads as Smith clips it for a single and Head nudges the third ball for another run.
Another single for Smith before Head crashes the wide delivery through the covers for a four to race to his fifty from 60 balls. He is beaten last ball as he plays away from his body.
Jadeja gets the ball to turn slightly to beat Smith, who tries to hit it through the off-side but again Bharat fails to gather the ball.
Smith clips the fifth ball for a single to square leg and Head defends the last ball back to the bowler.
Umesh, who has bowled six overs so far, is back into the attack. He was guilty of bowling a lot of loose deliveries in his first spell but he makes a good comeback by starting his second spell with a maiden over.
Jadeja bowls another quick over, conceding just two singles in his fifth over.
19:16 Smith, Head steer Australia past 150
Aus 153-3 (43 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Jadeja rushes through his second over. He bowls five dot balls in a row to Head, who keeps strike with a single from the last ball.
This is a game of patience. India will need to build some pressure and invite some mistake from the batters, especially Head, who looks keen to keep scoring at a good rate.
If Australia go into the tea break without any more wickets, they will hold the advantage. India will need a wicket or two before tea to check Australia's progress.
Thakur continues as Umesh still hasn't bowled in this session. Head drives the pacer through the covers for a single.
A fielder placed at backward square leg as Smith clips two balls in a row straight to the fielder to miss out on some runs and leaves the last ball for five dots in a row.
Jadeja gets the ball to go straight on with the arm as Head playing for the turn is beaten. He gets the leading edge next ball but it falls well short of the fielder in the covers.
Head plays a beautiful drive to the right of mid-off for a boundary off the last ball of the over, to take Australia past the 150-run mark.
19:06 Smith, Head build Australia's total
Aus 147-3 (40 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Siraj continues after the drinks break. Head is struck on the body by the good sharp delivery from the pacer which jags in sharply.
Another good bouncer slanting across as Head tries to pull but is beaten as Kohli appeals for the catch but wicketkeeper Bharat not interested.
Head gets right behind the ball as he defends the last ball with utmost caution for another maiden over by Siraj.
Smith content to play the supporting role as he clips Thakur for a single. The pacer oversteps to concede a no-ball which Head looks to cut but edges over the slips for a four and takes a single next ball.
Thakur bowls another loose delivery, a wide half-volley which Smith drives through the covers for a four.
He overpitches again and Smith helps himself to the third four of the over through square leg.
Thakur goes for 16 runs in his ninth over as Australia again seize the momentum with a good partnership between Smith and Head.
Time for spin as Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack, to bowl the 39th over.
Head cuts the second ball to thirdman for a single and the next ball goes off Smith's pads over leg spin for a leg bye.
Head picks another run off the fifth ball before Smith comes down and defends the last ball back to the bowler.
Thakur continues despite going for runs in his previous over. He nearly strikes as Head pokes away from his body but is beaten. He is interested in the caught behind appeal but doesn't get much support and Head cuts the next to thirdman for a single.
Two more singles as Australia reach 147/3 in 40 overs with Smith on 29 and Head on 41. Australia have scored 43 from the last 10 overs to snatch the momentum.
18:42 Smith, Head keep India at bay
Aus 125-3 (36 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Thakur's first ball is flicked to deep square leg by Head for a single and Smith bottom edges the next trying to swat it as it goes on the bounce to the wicketkeeper.
Smith misses out on the full delivery on the stumps and is struck on the pads but leg before shout is turned down. That looks to be going down as India don't seem interested in the review.
With Umesh leaking runs, Siraj shouldering a lot of bowling responsibility. He is bowling his 12th over already an hour into the second session.
Head gets a leading edge as he is early into the flick before he slaps the next to deep point for a single.
Smith clips the fourth ball through square leg for two runs and defends the last ball.
Thakur has done a good job so far. Head looks to guide the pacer down to thirdman but Rahane makes a diving stop at thirdman before he pushes at the next but is beaten.
Head gets a single off the fourth ball to point and Smith clips the full incoming delivery through square leg for a four.
18:30 Smith, Head take Australia past 100
Aus 116-3 (33 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Head plays a cracking punch off the backfoot but the fielder in the covers come up with a diving stop to save the boundary.
The next ball is full but on the pads as Head flicks it behind square on the leg side for a four.
Some width from Shami and this time Head cuts it uppishly to the vacant thirdman region for another boundary, to race to 27 from 16 balls with six fours.
Shami goes full and on the stumps as Head defends it back to the bowler and glances the last ball to fine leg for a single to retain strike.
Thakur is back into the attack in place of Siraj. Head gets a leading edge as he looks to clip the pacer but the ball falls wide of a diving Rahane at gully.
What a beauty from Thakur! The full delivery swings away quite a lot as Smith looking to drive is beaten all ends up.
He learns from his mistake next ball and leaves the next ball which is in a similar channel.
Smith ignores the next couple of balls before he pushes the last ball to point for a single.
Change of ends for Siraj as he takes over from Shami. He keeps it full and just outside the off-stump to Smith, who is quite watchful against Siraj's probing line and length.
Smith shuffles and flicks the pacer to midwicket but to the fielder and leaves the last two balls as Siraj sends down his third maiden over.
18:15 Smith, Head take Australia past 100
Aus 104-3 (30 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Siraj from the other end. Smith keeps out the first three ball before he clips the fourth for a single.
Head drives a full wide delivery square on the off-side for a four before he keeps out the last ball.
Shami starts his new over with a short ball which moves quite a bit after going over Smith, who ducks under it.
Smith glances the next fine on the leg side and gets a four with India having no fielder at leg slip for Shami.
Shami bowls a sharp bouncer which Smith tries to pull but is beaten as India appeal for catch off the edge. The umpire is not interested and India also decide against the review.
Another good short of good length ball from Shami as Smith shuffling across has to fend it away.
Siraj from over the wicket gets the ball to slant across left-hander Head, who pokes at it and is beaten, and then takes a single next ball.
Smith punches Siraj through the covers for three runs and Head plays a delightful flick off his pads through midwicket for a four.
Shami continues as he sticks to the full length but Smith is happy to leave before he pushes the next to midwicket.
Smith misses the clip off the fourth ball to collect a leg bye and Head looks to leave but the ball goes off his bat towards point for a single.
In the next over, Head flicks Siraj uppishly over mdiwicket for a four to take Australia past the 100-run mark, in the 30th over, and takes a single next ball.
Siraj gets the ball to nip in sharply to Smith, who is struck high on the pads. He looks to pull the next ball but the ball stays a bit low and he is struck on the body.
17:54 Shami strikes; Labuschagne out for 26
Aus 80-3 (25 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Siraj, India's best bowler in the morning session, starts off with the ball in the post-lunch session.
He starts off with a bouncer to Smith, but it is too high and way down the leg side and is ruled a wide.
Smith ignores the full delivery pitched away from the stumps before he defends the next.
Siraj gets the full delivery to slant into Smith, who glances it fine on the leg side for two runs, as Shami gets his boots out to stop the boundary.
Siraj has bowled quite fuller in the first over as opposed to morning session when they were a bit shorter.
Shami from the other end. He strikes with his first ball of the session, with the key wicket of Labuschagne who is bowled for 26.
Shami also starts with a full delivery which swings in sharply and Labuschagne, looking to drive it through the covers, misses it completely and is bowled.
Travis Head leaves the first ball before he drives the next to mid-off followed by a clip to midwicket.
He pushes away from his body but is beaten as the ball seams away a touch before he gets a thick outside edge off the last ball for a four past the slips.
17:04 Australia lose both openers in first session
Aus 73-2 (23 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Umesh to bowl the final over of the session. Smith offers no shot to the first ball and does the same to the next, which comes back and strikes him high on the pads.
Smith watchfully defends the next couple of deliveries before he clips the fifth ball to square leg for a single.
Labuschagne solid in defence as he drives the last ball off the front foot to the fielder at mid-off.
Australia go into the lunch break on 73/2 in 23 overs with Labuschagne unbeaten on 26 from 61 balls and Smith on two.
A good fighting session of Test cricket as both teams were made to work hard. Australia lost an early wicket before Warner and Labuschagne led the fightback with a 69-run stand in difficult conditions against the new ball.
Siraj dismissed Khawaja for a duck before Thakur struck with the key wicket of Warner a few minutes before lunch.
16:57 Thakur dismisses Warner
Aus 72-2 (22 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Umesh continues as Warner misses the clip and is struck on the pads to collect a leg bye and Labuschagne defends the next.
Umesh struggling with his control. The last ball is on the pads as Labuschagne glances it fine for a four.
Batting has become much easier now with the sun coming out. Thakur from round the wicket gives some width as Warner plays a beautiful drive through the covers for a four, to take his score into the 40s.
Against the run of play, India strike with the key wicket of Warner. The left-hander looks to pull the short ball which is down the leg side but gets the edge and is caught by wicketkeeper Bharat.
Warner worked hard in the morning session but failed to carry on as he walks back after scoring 43 from 60 balls.
That was a harmless short ball down the leg side as Warner looked for some easy runs to fine leg but ended up getting the edge.
That is an important wicket for India so close to the lunch break on Day 1.
Steve Smith shuffles across and offers no shot to the first ball he faces. The wicketkeeper is up to the stumps but Smith clips the next ball to square leg for a single to get off the mark.
16:48 Warner, Labuschagne keep Aus steady
Aus 62-1 (20 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
133kph bouncer from Thakur on the first ball of the 18th over and a dot to begin. Follows it up with a 134kpm delivery and Warner jabs this behind point to get a single.
Four: Beautiful shot from Labuschagne as he cuts this past point for a boundary.
Another appeal for LBW and it's not given. India review this again and loses the review as ball tracking shows its missing the wickets. Labuschagne can breathe easy! Three dots to follow the boundary as five runs come off the over.
Umesh continues and begins with a good delivery. Good length and Warner leaves it, begins with a dot.
Missed: Warner looks to cut the fourth delivery but is beaten. Maiden over from Umesh!
Shardul Thakur continues. Good length from Thakur. Labuschagne pushes it past backward point. No run.
Thick outside edge on the second delivery as Labuschagne sends this through the square leg region. Four dots to follow as just two runs come off the over.
After 20 overs, Australia have posted 62/1.
16:31 Warner, Labuschagne take Australia past 50
Aus 55-1 (17 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
The sun is out at The Oval and the Australian batters are scoring much more freely now.
Umesh has gone for 21 runs in two overs, including five overs, to put his captain Rohit under some early pressure.
With the seamers still getting some movement, will Rohit decide to bring in spinner Jadeja so early into the attack?
Shami and Siraj both bowled a longish first spell and might need some rest before they are brought back.
Thakur bowls a few outswingers to Labuschagne, who opts to leave, before he beats him with a superb inswinger.
The ball comes in sharply to strike him on the pads but the umpire turns down the appeal before Rohit takes the review.
That is a narrow escape for Labuschagne as the ball is clipping the leg stump which means the decision stays with umpire's call.
India keep the review but Thakur nearly struck an important blow in that over.
Umesh continues despite going for runs in his previous over. Warner punches the second ball to deep point for a single.
Nasty delivery from Umesh! He gets the ball to jump off length and Labuschagne looking to defend is struck again on the gloves.
A good comeback from Umesh as he concedes just a single in his third over.
16:21 Warner, Labuschagne take Australia past 50
Aus 54-1 (16 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
First change in the bowling as Umesh Yadav comes into the attack, in place o of Shami.
The first ball is full as Labuschagne pushes it behind point for a single. The second ball is in the slot, full and wide, as Warner plays a glorious drive through the covers for a four.
Warner defends the next two balls before he is beaten by the length ball which swings away and he leaves the last ball.
Another change in the bowling as Shardul Thakur comes into the attack in place of Siraj.
The first ball is away from the stumps as Labuschagne has an easy leave and does the same next ball.
Some swing for Thakur as Labuschagne plays away from his body and is beaten. He plays a beautiful straight drive, hitting the full delivery straight down the ground past the fielder at mid-on for a four and keeps out the last ball.
Umesh starts his new over with a wide half-volley but Warner gently drives into the covers where the fielder makes a sharp diving stop to save some runs.
The next ball is short and wide as Warner cuts it past point for a four.
Australia have hit just five boundaries in the 15th over so far and Umesh has already been hit for two fours in eight balls.
Another boundary as Warner cuts the short ball between cover and point as Umesh leaks runs to allow Australia to break free after a slow start.
Umesh from round the wicket bowls a short wide delivery as Warner tries to cut again but this time he gets the top edge as the ball flies over the slips for the third four of the over, to bring up Australia's 50, in the 15th over.
Warner in full flow as he steers the last ball to the vacant thirdman region for the fourth boundary of the over, to raise the 50-run stand for the second wicket.
16 runs from the over as Australia reach 54/1 in 16 overs.
16:07 Warner, Labuschagne steady Australia
Aus 29-1 (12 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Shami to bowl the sixth over of his first spell. Warner keeps out the first two balls before he is beaten as he plays away from his body.
Shami tries the short ball which doesn't rise much as Warner pulls it through midwicket for a four and leaves the last ball.
Siraj will also bowl the sixth over of his first spell, with India chasing wickets with the new ball.
Labuschagne, who has been playing county cricket, has looked quite good from the start. He flicks Siraj through midwicket for three runs.
Siraj gets the ball to slant away as Warner is beaten but again wicketkeeper Bharat fails to collect the ball.
An action packed first hour as Australia recovered after an early wicket to reach 29/1 in 12 overs, with Warner on 17 and Labuschagne on 17.
Siraj and Shami bowled six overs each with the former dismissing Khawaja for a duck but Australia have bounced back quite well.
15:54 Warner, Labuschagne steady Australia
Aus 22-1 (10 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Once again the ball kicks off quite alarmingly as Labuschagne is struck on the gloves as he tries to leave the first ball of Siraj's fourth over.
That looks like a painful blow as the physio comes out but he is okay to continue.
The next ball is pitched up and moves away as Labuschagne gets the edge but it goes on the bounce to third slip.
He clips the third ball past the fielder at square leg and pushes Warner to go for the third run.
Siraj continues to probe as Warner gets it off the bottom of the bat and he punches the last ball to mid-off.
Shami bowls full but away from the stumps as Labuschagne leaves before he defends the next on the leg side.
Labuschagne defends as the ball goes through his legs and nearly rolls back on to the stumps. He clips the last ball to deep square leg for a single to retain strike.
Some invariable bounce already. The full delivery from Siraj hardly bounces but the line is away from the stumps as Labuchagne leaves.
Siraj bowls the scrambled seam delivery as the ball swings away but stays a bit low to beat Labuschange. The next ball bounces and seams away as the right-hander again plays and misses.
Siraj gets the ball to swing into Labuschagne, who is struck on the pads but the loud shout for leg before is ignored as the ball was clearly doing too much.
Australia are 22/1 in 10 overs, with Warner on 13 and Labuschagne on eight as duo steadied the ship after an early wicket.
15:36 Siraj strikes; Khawaja out for a duck!
Aus 18-1 (7 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Shami gets the ball to swing into Warner and strike him on the pads but the leg before shout. Rohit decides against the review as the ball looked to be going down the leg side.
Warner punches the full delivery with a straight bat, past mid-off for three runs.
Labuschagne offers no stroke to the wide pitched away from the stumps but Bharat messes up an easy stop to concede a by and Warner keeps out the last ball.
Siraj all the way up to Labuschange and gives him the stare after he leaves before the right-hander takes a single on the leg side.
Warner looks to cut the short wide delivery from Siraj but gets the edge which flies over the slips for a four.
The next ball is full and swings as Warner looks to hit it through the covers but is beaten before he punches the last ball past mid-on for three runs.
Shami continues from round the wicket as Warner defends the first ball into the off-side before he inside edges the next on the leg side for a single.
Shami gets the ball to jag in sharply as Labuschange leaves it on length and is struck high on the pads.
He taps the last ball on the off-side and calls Warner for a quick single.
15:23 Siraj strikes; Khawaja out for a duck!
Aus 4-1 (4 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Shami gets the ball to swing in a long way as Warner looking to defend is hit high on the pads.
Another short of good length delivery and this time Warner taps it on the off-side and looks for a quick single but his partner is not interested.
Warner clips the fourth ball through square leg for a couple of runs to finally get Australia off the mark from the 16th ball.
Shami bowls a cracking delivery, getting the ball to kick off length as Warner looking to defend is surprised by the extra bounce. He will consider himself lucky not to have edged it as the ball narrowly misses the gloves and flies through to the keeper.
Shami goes full as Warner is hit on the pads but the ball is clearly going down.
Siraj from the other end. Khawaja pushes the first ball to mid-off before he leaves the next and pushes the third into the covers
Siraj gets the first breakthrough with the wicket of Khawaja, who gets the edge and is caught behind for a duck. That is a superb delivery, the scrambled seam delivery, almost like a full off-spinner, on the channel around the off-stump as Khawaja poked and got the edge.
Marnus Labuschagne at No 3. He glances the first ball he faces to fine leg for two runs to get off the mark.
15:09 India opt to bowl vs Aus; Ashwin dropped
Aus 0-0 (2 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
No 11 Mohammed Shami starts off with the ball for India under overcast skies at The Oval, while David Warner and Usman Khawaja are the two openers for Australia.
Shami straightaway from round the wicket. The first ball is pitched up to Warner, who watchfully defends it on the off-side and does the same next ball.
Shami gets the third ball to jag in sharply as Warner leaves it on length with the ball bouncing over the stumps and wicketkeeper Bharat does well to dive to his right and come up with a good save.
Another incoming delivery which Warner taps on the leg side followed by a block towards point and pushes the last ball to the same fielder as Shami starts off with a maiden over.
Mohammed Siraj from the other end. He is bowling from over the wicket to Khawaja, who leaves the first ball before defending the next, which is pitched up.
The left-hander clips the third ball to square leg where the fielder makes a good stop to deny the batter a run or two.
Siraj gets the ball to swing away as Khawaja is beaten trying to defend it. Maybe if he had pitched it up a bit fuller, Khawaja might have nicked it.
Siraj goes full but this well wide of the stumps as Khawaja offers no stroke and defends the last ball back to the bowler, to make it two maidens on the trot.
14:58 Both teams to wear black armbands
The Indian and Australian team will wear black armbands and observe a moment of silence in memory of victims of the Odisha train accident ahead of the start of play on Day 1 of the WTC final.
"The Indian Cricket Team will observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Odisha train tragedy ahead of the start of play on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval," BCCI said.
"The team mourns the deaths and offers its deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who tragically lost their lives. To express solidarity with those affected, Team India will wear black armbands."
The close-up of the pitch at The Oval in London
14:51 India include 4 pacers, 1 spinner
Ajinkya Rahane is back in the Test team, but all eyes will be on batting sensation Shubman Gill, who has enjoyed a dream run across formats in the last six months.
The experienced Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli will need to take responsibility with the bat.
India's pace quartet of Shami, Siraj, Umesh and Shardul will relish the overcast conditions and a green pitch at The Oval.
Australia's pace attack could be handful on this pitch featuring the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Cameron Green, while Nathan Lyon will be hoping for some spin on Day 4 and 5.
Check out the playing XIs of the two teams:
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, K S Bharat (w/k), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
Australia: Pat Cummins (captain), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (w/k), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
14:36 India win toss; opt to bowl vs Aus
India captain Rohit Sharma has won the toss and elected to bowl against Australia in the WTC Final at The Oval in London.
India have gone in with four pacers and one spinner with Ravindra Jadeja preferred ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin, confirms Rohit at the toss.
"It has been a tough decision to leave out Ashwin, he has been a match-winner for us," says Rohit.
Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur are the four pace bowlers with Jadeja the lone spinner.
K S Bharat gets the nod as the wicketkeeper ahead of Ishan Kishan.
14:29 India set to play just one spinner
If they win the WTC final, Australia or India will create history as the only team to win all ICC titles.
Kumar Sangakkara in his pitch report says:
"Looking at the overcast skies above, there will be definitely swing. There is a good covering of grass on the pitch so there will be seam as well and bounce as well.
It is going to be interesting for the two captains at the toss."
Meanwhile Dinesh Karthik reckons that India will play just one spinner and four pacers, considering the conditions.
Ravindra Jadeja is set to be the lone spinner for India ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin.
14:21 Can India Break the Jinx in WTC Final?
Welcome to the coverage of the World Test Championship Final 2023 between India and Australia at The Oval in London on Wednesday.
A formidable bunch of Indian cricketers will require a perfect blend of skill and temperament when it clashes with an equally-strong Australia in the WTC final, with an aim to end a decade-long global trophy jinx.
India have been the most consistent side over the past two WTC cycles and also reached knockout phases of major white-ball tournaments over the last 10 years but a trophy has eluded them.
The last major ICC trophy India won was way back in 2013 when it bagged the Champions Trophy in England. Since then, the side has lost three finals and on four occasion it bit dust at the semifinal stage. It also made an exit at the preliminary stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Out of the six series India played in this cycle, their only series loss came in South Africa and that led to an unexpected change of guard with Rohit Sharma taking over the leadership role from Virat Kohli.
They remained unconquerable at home, drew a hard-fought series in England before surviving a slight scare in Bangladesh.
India ignored the conditions and went with their traditional strength -- two spinners against the Black Caps in the final at Southampton two years ago but the move backfired.
As The Oval gears up to host its first ever Test in June in its 143-year existence, India are heading into the unknown and face a couple of key selection calls that might decide the fate of the game.
It will always be a temptation to play both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in the same team but considering that it is only the start of the summer and pitches are fresh, there is a strong case for a fourth pace bowling option.
In the batting department, Rishabh Pant is not available to bail the team out in case of a top-order collapse. Therefore, the management needs to decide whether it need the 'x-factor' of Ishan Kishan or the more reliable wicket-keeping skills of K S Bharat.
The wily Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj pick themselves in the pace department and a call needs to be made between old-horse Umesh Yadav and all-rounder Shardul Thakur.
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