WTC Final: Head, Smith dominate with bat as Aussies take control at Oval on Day 1
WTC Final: Head, Smith dominate with bat as Aussies take control at Oval on Day 1
Australiastarted Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India on the front foot as they ended at 327/3. Top knocks from Travis Head (unbeaten 146) and Steve Smith (unbeaten 95) stitched a partnership of 251 runs for the fourth wicket as the Aussies took control at the Oval. The ton from Head was the first in the history of the WTC final while Smith is also closing in on his 43rd international hundred.
Aussies suffered early setback
Asked to bat first in the challenging conditions of the Oval, Australia started on the back foot as they lost star batter Usman Khawaja for a duck in the fourth over. David Warner (43) and Marnus Labuschagne (26) then took control of the innings as they put together a 69-run stand for the second wicket. However, Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj then struck in quick succession to put the Aussies back on the back foot.
ALSO READ |WTC Final: Virat Kohli hopes for another Rohit Sharma century at the Oval
Head and Smith mastermind Aussie innings
)
FIFA World Cup 2026: Katy Perry offers a backstage look at her opening ceremony preparations
)
Scientists discover world's largest 'whale graveyard' hidden 7km beneath the Indian Ocean
)
Father of slain Indian sailor Aditya Sharma criticises US over strike on tanker off Oman
)
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reacts to Pranit More controversy: 'Not right to violate societal boundaries'
)
Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata Review: Kangana Ranaut throws light on untold side of 26/11 beyond Taj and Leopold
)
From ballistic missiles to maritime threats: India successfully tests key defence technologies, enters elite club
)
Mobile tower stolen in Bihar: Police probe bizarre theft in Buxar. This is what happened
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
China's Gaokao vs India's JEE: Comparing the world's toughest entrance examinations
)
Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata box office: Kangana Ranaut starrer struggles to gain momentum on day 1
)
Iran declares SpaceX and Starlink assets in West Asia legitimate military targets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (June 12, 2026): Raakh, Bhooth Bangla, Dridam- Watch these 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar and more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony: Shakira, Nora Fatehi, LISA and more-a look at all the performers of the night
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Beyond Strait of Hormuz: How the Oman-Gujarat deep-sea pipeline could transform India's energy imports
)
Why Nepal joins Japan in banning Indian Mango imports & how it could impact exporters
)
Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada, set to miss Ghana's FIFA World Cup opener against Panama
)
France Turns To India After FCAS Collapse: Offers Partnership On 6th-Gen Fighter Jet
)
Deadpool & Wolverine cinematographer George Richmond sustains serious injuries in Himachal Pradesh paragliding accident
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada Opening Ceremony in pictures: Nora Fatehi, Alessia Cara dazzle with their performance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Deepika Padukone in Jawan to Sanya Malhotra in Bandar: Times when actors shone with limited scenes
)
Trump administration deports Iranian migrants to nation US warns against visiting 'for any reason'
)
Indian Govt to fund startup aiming to build Methane-LOX rocket engine
)
Oil prices tumble as Iran, US signal breakthrough in war-ending talks
)
MoU will ensure end of war on all fronts, including Lebanon: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
)
Indian Air Force aircraft crashes in Assam’s Jorhat; pilot feared dead
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Pride Month special: Bollywood queer characters who deserve their own spin-off
)
Fact Check: Indian crew members aboard Liaki Freedom vessel attacked by missiles? MEA says...
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
World's Safest Countries in 2026: Did India make it to the top 10? Here's where it ranks
)
NEET aspirant posing as fake Brigadier walks into Army trap in UP, arrested – Here’s what happened
)
Who is Niño Guerrero? Trump announces leader of 'bloodthirsty terrorist organisation' Tren de Aragua killed in 'swift and lethal' US strike
)
Red alert in Delhi: IMD predicts rain, thunderstorms to intensify from today
)
How RSI-India, inspired by MIT, is giving Indian school students a taste of cutting-edge research
)
Israel rules out withdrawal from Lebanon, Syria and Gaza; Iran says proposed deal includes all fronts
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How US fighter jet pilots can change a missile's target after launch
)
India's $2 billion drone push: Why batteries could be biggest winner in defence-tech boom
)
US govt funded foreign biolabs, many of them worked on dangerous pathogens, reveals Tulsi Gabbard
)
Mathematician who correctly predicted last 3 World Cup winners reveals FIFA World Cup 2026 champion
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Is it logically smarter to buy an electric car right now just to avoid fuel costs?
At 76/3 in the first session, the Indians were at the top of their game as the decision to bowl looked wise. However, it was the Steve Smith and Travis Head show that would frustrate the Indian bowlers. On a challenging wicket that had bounce, both Smith and Head held their nerves until it became old. They took the attack against Indian pacers while giving no chance to Ravindra Jadeja to settle in the conditions.
On the fourth ball of the 65th over, Head bought his sixth Test hundred and looked in good touch, and need just 106 deliveries. In the meantime, Smith also continued his exploits but was scoring at a slower rate than Head. He brought his 38th Test fifty in the 62nd over.
In the same over, Head was also checked for concussion as a Mohammed Siraj delivery hit Travis on the head.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.
