Australia have defeated India by 209 runs to win their first-ever WTC mace and become the only men's team to win all ICC men's trophies
The Aussies set the tone right off the first ball, going at India's bowling lineup on a pitch which wasn't deemed to be high scoring to put up a total of 469 runs in the first innings. Thereon, the bowlers took over, with Boland and co. dismantling India's batting lineup across both innings. It was an all-around collective effort from Australia, which paid off the hard work and dedication they have shown over the last two years.
India will be disappointed by the fact that their 10-year winless streak in ICC trophies continues. However, what will be more disappointing for them would be their performance across the whole match. Barring Rahane, no one else really showed their very best, and Ashwin's omission from the lineup will be on the back of many people's minds for sometime. A lot to work on for Dravid and Rohit, however, this could prove to be a turning point for the better for India in the long run.
MORE: Bet here in India on the World Test Championship Final
Australia lift 2023 WTC Mace
Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 5 scorecard
IND 2nd Innings: 234/10 after 63.4 overs (AUS win by 209 runs)
IND Batting
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| Rohit Sharma lbw b Lyon | 33 | 41 | 5 | 1 | 80.49 |
| Shubman Gill c Green b Boland | 18 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 94.74 |
| Cheteshwar Pujara c Carey b Cummins | 27 | 47 | 5 | 0 | 57.45 |
| Virat Kohli c Smit b Boland | 49 | 78 | 7 | 0 | 62.82 |
| Ajinkya Rahane c Carey b Starc | 46 | 108 | 7 | 0 | 42.59 |
| Ravindra Jadeja c Carey b Boland | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 00.00 |
| KS Bharat c Lyon b Lyon | 23 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 63.89 |
| Shardul Thakur lbw b Lyon | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 00.00 |
| Umesh Yadav c Carey b Starc | 1 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 8.33 |
| Mohammed Shami* | 13 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 162.50 |
| Mohammed Siraj c Boland b Lyon | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16.67 |
AUS Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | No Balls | Wides | Economy |
| P. Cummins | 13 | 1 | 55 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4.20 |
| S. Boland | 16 | 2 | 46 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2.90 |
| M. Starc | 14 | 1 | 77 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5.50 |
| C. Green | 5 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2.60 |
| N. Lyon | 15.3 | 2 | 41 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2.60 |
AUS 2nd Innings (decl.): 270/8 after 84.3 overs (Australia lead by 443 runs) (Carey 66*, Starc 41 and Jadeja 3/48, Shami 2/39)
IND 1st Innings: 296/10 after 69.4 overs (Rahane 89, Thakur 51 and Cummins 3/83, Green 2/44)
AUS 1st Innings: 469 all out after 121.3 overs (Head 163, Smith 121 and Siraj 4/108, Thakur 2/83)
Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 5 live updates
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Australia captain Pat Cummins: "We made the most of it (losing the toss). We were certainly going to bowl. The way Travis and Smithy put on that partnership, gave us the comfort after a nervy morning. He (Head) has been brilliant right throughout this campaign, started with the Ashes a couple of years ago. He just puts the pressure right back on the bowlers and suddenly you are thinking about how to contain runs rather than taking wickets. We left day one feeling like we were on top of the game. When it counted, we played really well. We could have really driven the game, didn't have our best day and let India closer back in. For the most parts, we were in control. Boland - he's my favourite player. He just continues to be my favourite. Everyone did their role really well."
"Coming off a break, everyone switched on when it mattered. Everyone played really well and we'll savour this for a few years before we turn our attention (to the Ashes). This is our favourite format, we grew up watching Test cricket. It challenges you. When you win, it's the format you get the most satisfaction with. We love playing."
India captain Rohit Sharma: "It was a tough one. We started well winning the toss and putting them into bat in those conditions. We bowled pretty well in the first session and then we let ourselves down a little bit with how we bowled. But again, credit to the Australian batters, in particular, Travis Head came in and played really well. That took us off guard a little bit and then we knew it was always hard to come back. We put a up show. We fought hard but congratulations to Australia. We spoke of a lot of things. We spoke of bowling tighter lines. But it didn't work out. Things like that can happen."
"Head came in and played really well along with Steven Smith. That just took us off guard a little bit. We knew it was always hard to comeback, but we put up a good show. We've worked hard for all those four years. Playing two finals is honestly a good achievement for us. But we'd like to go a mile ahead as well. You can't take the credit away from what we've done in those last two years to come here. Great effort from the entire unit. Unfortunate that we couldn't go on and win the final but we'll keep our heads high and fight. (Crowd support) It's been brilliant. They've gotten behind the time. I'd like to thank each one of them. They were cheering for every run and every wicket."
WTC Final Player of the Match- Travis Head
Australia win the WTC 2023, defeat India by 209 runs!
Two years of hard work and excellent displays have all led to this moment for Australia, who showed great intent to win the tournament right from the first ball of this Final. Despite losing the toss, the batting showed by the Aussies in the first innings set them up for victory with Head and Smith being the protagonists of that inning. From there the bowlers took over and Boland will be a name that won't leave the nightmares of Indian players and fans anytime soon. Carey was the unsung hero of the entire match being a great support with the bat and putting in an exceptional performance behind the stumps. The Aussies very well deserve the right to be called the WTC Champions!
As for India, the 10-year wait for an ICC trophy continues and they will be disappointed with their showing throughout this Test match. In particular, the likes of Kohli, Gill, Pujara, and Rohit will be miffed by their batting displays in both innings and how easily the Australia lineup ran through them. Rahane was the standout performer for the losing side, doing his best to keep them in the game, and essentially being a one-man army. There will also be regrets perhaps about leaving out Ashwin from the lineup considering how well Jadeja and Lyon bowled. A lot of lessons for India to take home with them as they now focus on the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup later this year.
12:36. Wicket! That's it Australia win the WTC Final by 209 runs a phenomenal performance by both their bowlers and batsmen in this game, a much-deserved victory.
12:26- Wicket! The end is coming closer and closer as Bharat is dismissed, Lyon bowls the delivery and takes the catch. A good chance the match finishes before the lunch break.
12:18- Wicket! Another one for Starc as he dismisses Yadav, but how good has Carey been? He has taken every chance he has got and has been one of Australia's many heroes in this game.
12:05- Wicket! More trouble for India as they lose the wicket of Shardul who goes out on a duck after being LBWed by Lyon.
11:57- Wicket! Is that the final blow to India's hopes? Rahane is dismissed by Starc and caught by Carey after attempting a pull shot. Australia closer and closer to getting the WTC mace.
11:33- Drinks break commences.
11:10- Play stopped as Bharat is hit on the back of his helmet by Cummins' delivery.
11:03- Wicket! He's on fire! Boland takes another wicket sending Jadeja on a duck, big trouble for India now, they would really need a miracle now.
11:01- Wicket! Boland strikes again and he may have turned the odds furthermore in favour by taking Kohli's wicket and sending back India's star man to the pavilion.
10:18- Pitch report from Nasser Hussain and Kumar Sangakkara: 'The temperature is around 30 degrees and there is a 40% chance of rain, so there could be a thunderstorm, but we do have a reserve day in hand. The pitch though has changed, from green grass to dry grass, the bounce has become lower. There are some footholes to the left-handers, but there's not a lot against the right-handers. There could be some reverse with the old ball, but the bowlers will have to work hard on the ball. An unusual Oval pitch, it deteriorates usually, but this one has actually become better,'
10:00- Welcome back to TSN's coverage of the WTC Final. A great day of cricket is expected with India putting up a brave stand against favourites Australia, with both teams looking to crown themselves the second WTC holders. The forecast predicted rain however, so far the weather is sunny like the previous days with no sign of any imminent rain. Hopefully, that remains the case and we get a day of cricket without interruptions.
Will it rain at The Oval on Sunday? There have been four perfect days for cricket in the WTC Final so far but with the game in the balance on Day 5, there are chances of thundershowers interrupting the game, as per meteorologists.
What happens if the day is washed out? We have a reserve day but the game will not go into one unless a major part of the day is washed out.
All four results still possible on Day 5. Who will win the WTC mace if the result ends in a draw or a tie? Read this to find out.
If you're wondering what the WTC mace is, we have an explainer here.
Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 4 Highlights
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Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 4 live updates
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6:01- STUMPS, DAY 4. INDIA 164/3 (40) and need 280 runs on Day 5 to win the Test
A solid end to the day for India as they head into Day 5 with 280 runs needed. India began the day by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne cheaply but Cameron Green, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Starc made valuable contributions to help Australia reach 270 runs and take the lead to 443. The Aussies declared in the 2nd Session and asked India to chase 444 runs.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill got India off to an amazing start before the latter was sent back to the pavilion after a controversial dismissal. Rohit was joined by Cheteshwar Pujara as they stitched a 51-run partnership, but the duo were dismissed in the space of five balls to put India in a spot of bother. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane then joined forces to help India finish the day from getting scathed any further as they have added 71 runs for the 4th wicket. The duo have looked in superb control with Kohli striking the runs as a brisk pace and Rahane playing the perfect foil. The final day of the WTC Final 2023 is going to be exhilarating and we'll be here to bring you all the live coverage on Day 5. Stay tuned with us and have a good night!
3:30- Session 3 commences.
Cheteshwar Pujara walks in to bat with Rohit Sharma and India will hope to end the day without any more wickets falling down. We have a cracking session of cricket on our hands.
3:08- End of Session 2, Day 4. Tea break commences.
India had gotten off to a really good start, but once again the Aussies get the early break through. Shubman Gill departs for 18 runs and India will be disappointed to head into the final session of play with a wicket down. See you back for Session 3 in about 20 minutes.
2:17- AUSTRALIA DECLARE AT 270/8, INDIA NEED 444 RUNS TO WIN THE TEST
That's the second wicket for Mohammed Shami as Axar Patel completes Pat Cummins' catch, and with that Australia have declared in the 2nd innings with a gargantuan lead of 443. With around 40-45 overs left to play today and the entire Day 5 tomorrow, India will have a huge task at their hands if they want to stay in the game and save the Test, let alone win it.
2:03- WICKET! Siraj breaks the 93-run stand for the 7th wicket between Carey and Starc!!! The second new ball brings some renewed luck for the Indians and they finally get the breakthrough. Australia were scoring runs at an ominous rate post the lunch break but India will hope to wrap up the tail with that wicket.
1:30- Fifty up for Carey who has patiently held strong for Australia when they needed him the most.
12:30- Lunch Break. 201/6 during the third innings. We will be back at 13:10.
India took the crucial wickets of Labuschagne and Green during the first session of day 4. Jadeja has been the protagonist for them during this innings taking three wickets and largely restricting the Australian batters from further extending their impressive lead over his side. However, Jadeja's performance further begs the question of why Ashwin wasn't chosen considering how well spinners are performing on this pitch so far. Siraj will be disappointed that he hasn't been able to take any more wickets while giving away some runs. Their aim will be to dismiss Carey once they return from lunch.
Australia have held on despite losing most of their middle order during this session. Carey has been patient and has taken crucial singles while scoring the occasional boundary to help extend his side's lead. Despite not putting up a big total as they did in the first innings, the Aussies have shown great resilience and fortitude while facing aggressive Indian bowling, and have now put up a lead of 374 runs, with the average fourth innings score being 156, there's a good chance they may declare a few overs after the lunch break.
11:59- Wicket! What a scrappy delivery to dismiss Green from Jadeja, however, sometimes that's the kind of ball that only seems to work and the dismissal of the Aussie batsman comes at an important time for India.
11:44- A break in play as Green is caught off guard by the bounce on Siraj's delivery and needs the physio to take a look at him.
11:34- Drinks break commences. India have bowled well but Australia are holding on, with the bowling side hoping they could dismiss Green or Cary, perhaps even both, after the break. Should that occur could it be another time Australia lose a test after scoring 400+ runs? Here are the other instances of them losing in similar circumstances.
10:42- Wicket! India get the crucial wicket of Labuschagne early on with Pujara catching him off Yadav's delivery, an excellent start for India.
10:19- Pitch Report from Nasser Hussain and Ravi Shastri: Warmest day of the Test. Looked like a new ball pitch yesterday afternoon. It was bouncing up from Siraj from the pavilion end. Didn't do that much when it got older. Variation in bounce was 72cms (between new ball and old ball). The cracks are at a natural length for Cummins and Siraj. Not a lot of rough for right-handers. How India's top order play the new ball will be the key.
10:00- Welcome to TSN's live coverage of the fourth day of the WTC Final. The weather is expected to be sunny again, with no interruptions to the game due to rain. India will be hoping to bowl out Australia's batting lineup before they put up a total on the board which can't be chased. Australia on the other hand would want Green and Marnus to continue on the pitch longer without falling prey to India's bowling lineup early on.
Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 3 scorecard
AUS 2nd Innings: 123/4 after 44 overs (Australia lead by 296 runs)
AUS Batting
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 6s | 4s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usman Khawaja c Bharath b Yadav | 13 | 39 | 0 | 2 | 33.33 |
| David Warner c Bharath b Siraj | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 12.50 |
| Marnus Labuschagne* | 41 | 118 | 0 | 4 | 34.74 |
| Steve Smith c Thakur b Jadeja | 34 | 47 | 0 | 3 | 72.34 |
| Travis Head c & b Jadeja | 18 | 27 | 2 | 0 | 66.66 |
| Cameron Green* | 7 | 27 | 0 | 1 | 25.92 |
IND Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M. Shami | 10 | 4 | 17 | 0 | 1.70 |
| M. Siraj | 12 | 2 | 41 | 1 | 3.41 |
| S. Thakur | 6 | 1 | 13 | 0 | 2.16 |
| U. Yadav | 7 | 1 | 21 | 1 | 3.00 |
| R. Jadeja | 9 | 3 | 25 | 2 | 2.77 |
IND 1st Innings: 296/10 after 69.4 overs (Rahane 89, Thakur 51 and Cummins 3/83, Green 2/44)
AUS 1st Innings: 469 all out after 121.3 overs (Head 163, Smith 121 and Siraj 4/108, Thakur 2/83)
Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 3 highlights
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Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 3 live updates
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That's all for tonight folks. We will be back with updates on Day 4 with Australia hurtling towards the World Test Championship mace. India will need a miracle on Day 4 to stand a chance of denying the Aussies a famous win.
India started the way in a terrible fashion, with the impressive Boland piercing one through KS Bharat's defence. But Shardul Thakur and Ajinkya Rahane stitched together a valiant 109-run stand that helped India avoid the follow-on, albeit helped by no-balls and dropped catches (three of them). But the Aussies finally got their act together and bowled India out for 296 which seemed pretty far away at one point for the Men in Blue.
Australia, in the second innings, did have some early hiccups with Warner and Khawaja getting out cheaply. But a belligerent Smith and sage-like Labuschagne steadied the ship and steered Aussies into a commanding position. Despite Smith and Head losing their wickets, Australia are cruising. Any target Australia set now will be a tough ask for India.
18:03- End of Day 3! Australia end the day at 123/4 as they have a formidable 296 runs lead over India. Marnus Labushchagne remained not out at 41 while Cameron Green scored an unbeaten 7.
17:30- WICKET! In-form Travis Heads heads back to the pavilion after being caught and bowled by Jadeja.
17:00 WICKET! Steve Smith departs after a horrific shot. He's been belligerent throughout his stay and tries to step out and hit Jadeja's first ball of the over. But Jadeja pushes it wider and Smith has no choice but to go with his shot. Balloons it on the offside and Thakur completed the catch. Looked very ugly.
15:48: WICKET! Usman Khawaja departs for just 13 runs after edging behind off Umesh Uadav's delivery.
15:33- Session 3 of Day 3 resumes.
15:13- End of Session 2 Day 3. Aus 23/1 after 11 overs. We shall be back soon.
14:31- WICKET! David Warners goes back to the pavilion for just 1 run. The southpaw gets caught behind by Srikar Bharath of Mohammed Siraj's delivery.
14:15- Australia's 2nd Innings commences. Usman Khawaja on strike against Mohammad Shami.
14:05- Innings Break. India 296/10 after 69.4 overs.
Rahane and Shardul have helped India cut the deficit by some margin considering how dismal things looked yesterday, however, Australia are still in the ascendancy having a lead of 173. There's still a long way to go in today's Test day and the batting conditions don't look all that bad. Indian bowlers will have to put up the performance of their lifetime to curb the Aussies and give their batters a chance to win this final for them.
14:03- That wraps it up! Starc dismisses Shami and ends the Indian innings before they could cross 300 runs.
13:54- Wicket! Green is again involved as he dismisses Thakur. A good display from Thakur, he has kept India in this game with his performance, now it's upto Shami and Siraj to cut down the deficit further.
13:50- 50 up for Shardul, his fourth ever in Test cricket! Thakur has shown great fortitude and character when India needed him the most and continues to help them reduce the deficit to stay in this final.
13:38- Wicket! Cummins responds well to conceding a boundary by clean bowling Umesh and sending him back after a short innings
13:19- Wicket! What a catch from Green off Cummins' delivery to finally dismiss the rampant Rahane. The Indian batsman has done his bit but may be disappointed he couldn't do more.
13:11- Session 2 commences. 260/6 for India after 60 overs.
12:35- End of Session 1 Day 3. 260/6 in the second innings. We shall be back at 13:10
When Boland dismissed Bharat immediately at the beginning of the day, it seemed like things would continue in the manner they did yesterday for India. However, Rahane and Shardul have powered through Australia's bowlers to put up a formidable partnership and keep India in this game. The former in particular has carried his side's attack hard and never seemed to have lost hope even when things were looking dismal. His experience and calmness have helped his side cross the 250 mark and cut down their deficit. Shardul has been the perfect supporting act bracing many tough deliveries and getting some important boundaries to take some pressure off his partner's shoulder.
Australia will be disappointed in the manner the first session has gone so far. They have dropped both Rahane and Shardul at crucial moments of the game, and could very well regret having done so at the end of this innings. Boland has been their main threat and they will hope to bring in him after the lunch break to put an end to this partnership. However, the rest of the bowlers need to step up, with skipper Cummins, in particular, needing to cut down on his no balls, which has seen him again lose a wicket today after seemingly having dismissed Shardul. They haven't quite won it yet.
12:06- Small break in the innings as Rahane has his fingers looked at, they must have gone under a lot of duress with the batsman having to carry India's attack through both days.
11:33- Drinks break commences, although Rahane and Shardul would want to keep their momentum going, with the senior batsman showing why he made it back into India's squad after more than a year.
11:15- 50 up for Rahane! And what a way to get it with the first six of the game, he is going to have to be a one-man army for India today if they are to get anything from this game.
10:51- Yet another stop in play as again Shardul is caught by surprise by Cummins' delivery and it seems his forearm is hurt.
10:48- Play stopped as Shardul is hit by the extra bounce from Cummins.
10:32- Wicket! Boland strikes again and clean bowls Bharat! More trouble for India as the wicketkeeper goes back to the stands early on.
10:21- Pitch report- A perfect day in South-East London. It's going to be warmer than yesterday with 0% chance of rain. With the sun baking, this pitch will deteriorate further which is good news for Australia. The cracks are going straight down the pitch and that brings in variable bounce, there are some divots as well. It's going to spin off the pitch as well, it will get drier, it's hard underneath and will continue to help the spinners as well, reckon Nasser Hussain and Dinesh Karthik.
10:00- Welcome back to TSN's coverage of the WTC Final. India is in trouble with most of their top and middle order having been sent back to the pavilion by the Australian bowlers before they could even cross the 200-run mark. Rahane and Bharat would need to play the innings of their life to give India some hope and perhaps avoid having to play a follow-on. All the odds are in Australia's favour, but we have seen crazy things happen before in this wonderful sport.
Here are the Day 2 highlights:
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Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 2 live updates
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Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 2 scorecard
AUS 1st Innings: 469 all out after 121.3 overs
AUS Batting
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| David Warner c Bharat b Thakur | 43 | 60 | 8 | 0 | 71.67 |
| Usman Khawaja c Bharat b Siraj | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Marnus Labuschagne b Shami | 26 | 62 | 3 | 0 | 41.94 |
| Steve Smith b Thakur | 121 | 268 | 19 | 0 | 45.15 |
| Travis Head c Bharat b Siraj | 163 | 174 | 25 | 1 | 93.68 |
| Cameron Green c Gill b Shami | 6 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 85.71 |
| Alex Carey (WK) lbw b Jadeja | 48 | 69 | 7 | 1 | 69.57 |
| Mitchell Starc run out (sub) Patel | 5 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 25.00 |
| Pat Cummins (C) c Rahane b Siraj | 9 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 26.47 |
| Nathan Lyon b Siraj | 9 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 36.00 |
| Scott Boland not out | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14.29 |
IND Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | No Balls | Wides | Economy |
| Mohammed Shami | 29 | 4 | 122 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 4.21 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 28.3 | 4 | 108 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3.79 |
| Umesh Yadav | 23 | 5 | 77 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.35 |
| Shardul Thakur | 23 | 4 | 83 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 3.61 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 18 | 0 | 56 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3.11 |
IND 1st Innings: 151/5 after 38 overs
IND Batting
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| Rohit Sharma (C) lbw b Cummins | 15 | 26 | 2 | 0 | 57.69 |
| Shubman Gill b Boland | 13 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 86.67 |
| Cheteshwar Pujara b Green | 14 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 56.00 |
| Virat Kohli c Smith b Starc | 14 | 31 | 2 | 0 | 45.16 |
| Ajinkya Rahane | 29 | 71 | 4 | 0 | 40.85 |
| Ravindra Jadeja c Smith b Lyon | 48 | 51 | 7 | 1 | 94.12 |
| Srikar Bharat (WK) | 5 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 35.71 |
AUS Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | No Balls | Wides | Economy |
| Mitchell Starc | 9 | 0 | 52 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5.78 |
| Pat Cummins | 9 | 2 | 36 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4.00 |
| Scott Boland | 11 | 4 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.64 |
| Cameron Green | 7 | 1 | 22 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3.14 |
| Nathan Lyon | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 |
6:03- STUMPS, DAY 2: IND 151-5 (38)
Another day that belongs to the Aussies. India have lost half the side in reply to Australia's 469 and face the prospect of being asked to follow-on in the 2nd innings. Although India did really with the ball in the first half of Day 2, picking up 7 wickets and conceding 108 runs.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill added 30 runs for the opening wicket and looked in good touch, but Pat Cummins and Scott Boland sent the openers back to the pavilion to give Australia the ideal start. Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara didn't last long either, scoring 14 runs each. Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja resurrected India's innings to some extent, stitching a 71-run stand, before Nathan Lyon got the better of Jadeja with a ball that spun a lot.
India are in grave danger and the first hour of in the morning tomorrow, on Day 3, might very well decide if India stay in this game or succumb to the sheer authoritative display that the Aussies have come up with in the first two days of this enthralling WTC Final.
We will back with you tomorrow with all the updates and live coverage on Day 3. Stay tuned and have a good night!
5:42- WICKET! THE OMINOUS RAVINDRA JADEJA DEPARTS!!! Nathan Lyon gets one to spin vigorously and Jadeja pokes at it, only to edge it straight to Steve Smith at first slip. The 71-run partnership between Rahane and Jadeja breaks and India are in danger now.
4:13- WICKET! STARC GETS THE WICKET OF KOHLI!!! India are in tatters at the moment as Starc generates extra bounce off the pitch and the balls just caresses the gloves of Virat Kohli and it's an easy catch for Steve Smith at second slip.
3:47- WICKET! Cameron Green strikes and dismisses Cheteshwar Pujara, who looked in good touch out there. It's another player who leaves the ball but leaves the stumps exposed as well. The ball zaps inwards and brings the end of Pujara's innings.
3:30- Session 3 commences. India 37/2 after 10 overs
3:10- End of Session 2. Tea break commences. We will be back in 20 mins.
What a good session of Test cricket that was. India head into the break with their backs pinned against the wall having lost both their openers. The responsibility to rebuild the innings has now fallen on the shoulders of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli. The Indians are on the backfoot and will need to finish Day 2 on a strong note if they are to remain in this game. We will see you in 20 mins for the final session of Day 2.
2:54- WICKET! One brings two for the Aussies and it's the in-form Shubman Gill who has been dismissed. It's a huge, huge wicket for the Aussies. That was a peach of a delivery by Scott Boland who gets it to seam inwards. Gill miscalculated it and left the ball, but the ball goes and hits the knock the bails off the top of off stump.
7:20- WICKET! Australia get the breakthrough! Rohit Sharma departs after playing across the line as Pat Cummins gets one to nip back in. That was as plumb as any and the Indian skipper decides not to review it. He was looking good in the middle, but Australia have now got the early wicket they were looking for.
2:20- India's 1st Innings commences. Rohit Sharma on strike against Mitchell Starc.
2:10- INNINGS BREAK: AUS 469 all out
Although Australia will be the happier of the two teams going into the break, India did really well to dismiss Australia for a score of below 500. Mind you, the Kangaroos were running away with the game and were 361-3 at one stage with both Travis Head and Steve Smith looking unstoppable.
However, the Indians didn't give up and bowled tightly to pick wickets at regular intervals. How will India respond? Will the pitch assists Aussie bowlers or will India give a befitting reply with their batting? Let's find out on the other side of the innings break.
2:08- WICKET! That's wraps it up. A straightforward catch for Ajinkya Rahane as Aussie skipper Pat Cummins loses his wicket. Siraj gets his fourth and Australia will be very happy with their effort.
2:00- WICKET! YOU MISS AND I HIT! That's the 50th Test wicket for Siraj, who rattles Nathan Lyon's stumps. India just one wicket away from wrapping up the innings.
1:41- WICKET! Alex Carey falls just two runs short of a well-deserved fifty. The left-handed attempted the reverse sweep off Jadeja but the ball didn't turn much. India sent it for a review after the umpire didn't raise his finger, and it's three reds. Australia lose an important wicket but Carey has done his job.
1:15- Session 2 commences. Australia 422/7
12:34- End of Session 1. Lunch break commences. We will be back in 40 minutes.
The first session of the day comes to an end when Australia have managed to score 95 runs in 24 overs for the loss of four wickets. Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami got rid of Travis Head and Cameron Green in quick succession while Shardul Thakur struck with Smith's wicket.
It has been a fruitful session for the Indians where they managed to finally break the Head-Smith partnership and pick up four important wickets. They will now hope to bowl out Australia quickly.
11:41- WICKET! Steve Smith departs. Shardul Thakur picks up the all-important wicket. Unable to judge Thakur's delivery, Smith gets bowled. Big wicket for India!
11:18- WICKET! Another Australian departs as Mohammed Shami dismisses Cameron Green for just 6 runs. The all-rounder tried to drive an outside off-stump delivery but fails to connect properly and edges towards second slip where Shubman Gill takes a comfortable catch.
11:00- WICKET! Finally, India gets the breakthrough as Mohammed Siraj dismisses Travis Head. The Aussie southpaw departs for 163 runs off 174 after being caught behind by Srikar Bharath of Siraj's delivery.
The Indian fast bowler gets his reward for bowling short to Head.
10:32- CENTURY! Steve Smith scores his 31st Test hundred! The former Australian skipper hit back-to-back boundaries off Mohammed Siraj's first over of the day to achieve the milestone.
This is Smith's seventh hundred in England and ninth against India. Only Sir Donald Bradman has more centuries (11) than Smith now in the UK.
10:14- Day 2 Pitch report
The pitch on Day 1 had a lot of grass and the Indian seam bowlers initially got some swing. The pitch is expected to be the same on day 2 but the Indian pacers are likely to get some seam and bounce with the new ball.
After Day 1 of the World Test Championship Final between Australia and India at the Kia Oval in London, it is the Aussies who are firmly in the driver's test.
Rohit Sharma, quite understandably, put Australia in to bat under overcast conditions after winning the toss. But after a few initial wobbles, the conditions turned brighter as the day went on and so did Australia's fortunes.
MORE: Bet here in India on the World Test Championship Final
Despite being 76/3 at one point, Travis Head (146*) brilliant counter-attacking knock and Steve Smith's unbeaten 95 ensured Australia finished at a mighty comfortable 327/3. The Kangaroos are already eyeing a significant first-innings score that might put India in a huge spot of bother.
India need to make early inroads on Day 2 or risk themselves being batted out of the game.
MORE: Latest betting odds and markets for cricket and other sports in India
Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 1 scorecard
AUS 1st Innings: 327/3 after 85 overs
AUS Batting
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| David Warner (c Bharat b Thakur) | 43 | 60 | 8 | 0 | 71.67 |
| Usman Khawaja (c Bharat b Siraj) | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Marnus Labuschagne (b Shami) | 26 | 62 | 3 | 0 | 41.94 |
| Steve Smith | 95 | 227 | 14 | 0 | 41.85 |
| Travis Head | 146 | 156 | 22 | 1 | 93.59 |
IND Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | No Balls | Wides | Economy |
| Mohammed Shami | 20 | 3 | 77 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 3.85 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 19 | 4 | 67 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3.53 |
| Umesh Yadav | 14 | 4 | 54 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.93 |
| Shardul Thakur | 18 | 1 | 75 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4.17 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 14 | 0 | 48 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.43 |
MORE: Pitch report and Test records for The Oval
Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 1 Highlights
Click here for Day 1 highlights (Viewable from India with subscription)
Click here to watch Smith and Head counter-attack India in the second session (Viewable from all countries).
Australia vs India WTC Final 2023: Day 1 live updates
Follow our live updates below for all the action from Australia vs India World Test Championship Final 2023. (All times local, UK)
Join us on Thursday for Day 2 updates.
6:02- STUMPS, DAY 1: AUS 327-3 (85)
Australia couldn't have asked for a better start to this Test match. And let's not forget that they lost the toss and were reduced to 76-3 after one point. Mohammed Siraj dismissed Usman Khawaja in the fourth over of the day, while Shardul Thakur dismissed David Warner just as he was starting to look lethal. Then, right after the Lunch Break, Mohammed Shami produced an out of this world delivery to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne.
However, after that point, it was all Australia as they outmuscled India, thanks to an unbeaten 251-run stand between Travis Head and Steve Smith. Head raced to his 6th Test century, while Smith will be hoping to bring up another century tomorrow morning.
India will be questioning their choice to drop Ravichandran Ashwin, with neither Umesh Yadav nor Shardul Thakur being effective. Although they have taken the new ball, they couldn't get any breakthrough today. Can the Indian bowling lineup bounce back and control the damage? Or will the Aussies run away with the game?
4:33- 100 FOR TRAVIS HEAD!!! This has been an emphatic knock by the left-hander, coming in to play when his team was in a precarious situation at 76-3. But he has showcased his outrageous skill-set by taking the game away from India and putting Australia in a comfortable position heading into Day 2. It's his 6th Test hundred and the first one away from home.
4:19- SMITH BRINGS UP HIS 38TH TEST FIFTY!!! This has been a gritty knock from the Aussie and it also brings up 150 runs in the partnership between him and Head. Australia firmly in control and India desperately need a couple of wickets
3:31- Session 3 commences. Australia in the driver's seat at 170-3.
3:11- End of Session 2. Tea break commences. We will be back in 20 mins.
After losing Marnus Labuschagne immediately to a Mohammed Shami corker, India were in the driver's seat, having reduced Australia to 76-3. But in came Travis Head, who attacked the bowlers right from the word go and shifted momentum in his side's favour. He got his half-century and now looks set for a big score.
On the other end, Steve Smith has played the perfect foil to Head's aggressive approach. He has scored 33 runs and taken 102 deliveries, defending and blocking everything coming his way and being extremely selective with his shot selection. Shardul Thakur looked good initially but has since leaked runs at a high rate. Ravindra Jadeja's introduction has somewhat put the brakes on, but Smith and Head are well set and have stitched a 94-run stand for the fourth wicket.
2:48- 50 for Travis Head! The southpaw has looked in pristine touch and have taken the attack to the Indian bowlers, racing to his 14th Test fifty in just 60 balls. He's looking dangerous in the middle.
2:13- The drinks are on the field now. After losing Labuschagne to an absolute jaffa by Shami, Travis Head has come out all guns blazing, scoring at a strike rate of 114.29. The Smith-Head duo have added 49 runs for the fourth wicket and India quickly need a wicket.
1:17- What a delivery by Shami, he bowls Labuschagne clean and sends him back to the pavilion. The Australian batsman overcame many LBW reviews but couldn't survive the Indian bowler's fantastic delivery, and leaves with a knock of 26 (62)
1:10- Session 2 commences. 73/2 so far.
12:30- End of Session 1. Lunch break commences. We will be back in 40 minutes.
Sharma will be happy so far with his decision to bowl first with Siraj dismissing Usman for a duck and Shami along with Thakur containing the Australian batting lineup for the most part of this first session. Thakur particularly came through when he took the wicket of Warner who seemed to be building up towards a big total and was growing increasingly more confident as the overs went by. Umesh didn't have the best of starts with Warner targetting him, but he has made a good comeback to recover his economy rate before the end of the session.
Australia will hope to have a good start after the lunch break. Warner was carrying their attack for most of this session and his dismal has slowed them down once more. Usman will be particularly disappointed with his showing today but it is to be expected since he hasn't played any form of cricket for nearly two months. The Aussies still do have Smith and Labuschagne on the pitch, with both batters having the potential to attack India's impressive bowling lineup and build up on the foundation Warner left for them. We'll be with you here tomorrow for all the live coverage.
12:24- Warner is dismissed by Thakur! Once again Bharat takes the catch to send the Aussie batsman packing after a knock of 43 runs in 60 balls.
11:08- Stoppage in play as Labuschagne is hit on his thumb by Siraj's delivery with the extra bounce catching him by surprise.
11:02- Usman is caught out by Bharat off a Siraj delivery, he walks back on a duck.
10:14- "It is tough to leave Ashwin out. He has been a match-winner for us, it is not a great occasion to leave him out, but you have got to do what is best for the team in the given conditions," says Rohit on dropping India's lead test-wicket taker.
10:08- Ashwin dropped by India, here's their lineup:
IND: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
10:03- India win the toss. Choose to bowl first.
9:59- Pitch Report from Kumar Sangakkara: "It's cold, there's a bit of wind and it's overcast. There'll be swing. There's a lovely green covering of grass, so there'll be seam as well. You'll have very good bounce here."
9:46- Welcome to TSN's coverage of the WTC Final. An excellent display by both sides awaits us and both sides will be hoping to end the first day with momentum on their side. Australia have already announced their playing 11, here's how they lineup:
AUS: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
Who will win the WTC Final if it ends in a draw?
Which team will be crowned the World Test Championship winners if this game ends in a draw or a tie?
Will it go to the No.1 ranked team or the team that qualified for the final first? Read this piece to find out.
Will India play four seamers? Will Ashwin miss out?
Australia have already named their XI for the WTC Final, pretty much everything on expected lines. The question now is whether India will play four seamers or just three.
Rohit Sharma has indicated that he feels the conditions will suit pace bowling more and it seems like India might play four seamers in Shami, Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur. If that is the case, it might be R Ashwin who misses out on this game, with Jadeja set to claim the lone spinner's spot.
Clear skies predicted for opening day of WTC Final
At this stage, the weather gods look to be on the side of Australia and India, with clear skies predicted for The Oval on the opening day's play.
Temperatures are set to rise up to 22 degrees during the day in London, with no rainfall expected.
Australia confirm WTC Final team
Australian skipper Pat Cummins have confirmed his final XI for the World Test Championship final, with cult hero Scott Boland earning the final place in the bowling attack.
Following the decision to withdraw Josh Hazlewood due to a niggling Achilles issue, the 34-year-old Victorian got the nod over Queensland all-rounder Michael Neser to partner Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.
David Warner has retained his spot at the top of the order alongside Usman Khawaja, while rising star Cameron Green slots into the middle-order alongside Travis Head.
Australia XI vs India: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
India's shot at redemption?
India had a great chance of winning the WTC mace last time out in 2021 where they played New Zealand in the final. But they shockingly lost a game which seemed to be heading for a tame draw.
This time around, they have a chance to make amends under a new leader in Rohit Sharma. but the Aussies will be keen on some revenge after losing in alien conditions in the subconitnent earlier this year.
Will the Men in Blue redeem themselves?
Last chance saloon for big names in India and Australia
The 2023 WTC Final might well be the last chance of several stalwarts to win Test cricket's ultimate crown.
The likes of Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc are all over 33 as are R Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma on the opposite camp.
Will this be the final shot at WTC glory for these players?
Match Preview:
India and Australia faced off in a four-match series in India earlier this year, which was won by the home team 2-1. In fact, India have beaten Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy four times in a row.
Regardless of the fate of the Border-Gavaskar battles in the recent past, it is Australia who go into the clash at The Oval as slight favourites.
The conditions in England should suit Australia's pace-bowling attack despite the fact that Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the match.
More importantly, India's spinners won't be able to dominate the Australian batters like they did back in India. And India also have injury troubles, with Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul all missing out.
Not to mention the fact that Australia's key batsmen, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, have already acclimatised to the English conditions by playing the County Championship.
However, only a fool will write India off. Despite the fact most of the Indian team are coming into the red-ball cricket after a furiously-fast IPL season, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Especially, Virat Kohli who has been in a purple patch of late and seems to be brimming with confidence.
These two teams never disappoint when it comes to Test cricket and this should be no different. A Test classic might be in the offing.
WTC Final 2023: Australia vs India tips, predictions and betting odds
| AUS win |
IND win |
Draw | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dafabet (India) |
1.95 | 2.72 | 5.60 |
| Ladbrokes (Australia) |
1.80 | 2.88 | 5.50 |
WTC Final 2023: Australia vs India TV, telecast details
In India
Australia vs India will be broadcast in several languages, across the following TV channels in India:
- Star Sports 1
- Star Sports 1 Hindi
- Star Sports 3
- Star Sports Select 1
- Star Sports Select 1 HD
- Star Sports HD1
In Australia
The WTC Final will be broadcast in Australia through free-to-air Channel Seven.
In the UK
Sky Sports Cricket will telecast the WTC Final live in the UK.
WTC Final 2023: Australia vs India live stream, mobile, online details
In India
Live streaming of this game will be provided on a subscription basis, exclusively through the Disney+ Hotstar app across a range of platforms in India.
In Australia
Live streaming of the WTC Final in Australia will be through 7Plus.
In the UK
SkyGo and Now will provide live streaming of the WTC Final in the UK.