Travis Head smashed a 106-ball century while Steve Smith completed his half-century to hand Australia complete control on Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Team India at The Oval. The pair has stitched a crucial partnership for the fourth wicket after Pat Cummins and Co. were reduced to 76/3 in the second session of Day 1. India started the day on a strong note as speedster Mohammed Siraj packed Usman Khawaja for 0 in the first session.
Opener David Warner and top-ranked batter Marnus Labuschagne then held the fort, adding 69 runs for the second wicket before the Aussie southpaw fell for 43 (60). Mohammed Shami got rid of Labuschagne (26) early in the second session before Smith and Head made sure that Australia remain on the cusp of a gigantic 1st innings total. Head and Smith’s impressive partnership of 251 off 370 balls guided Australia to 327/3 in 85 overs on Day 1 of the WTC final at The Oval.