NEW DELHI: India's seam-heavy attack unleashed their prowess on the second day's morning session, taking four crucial wickets to maintain a fighting chance against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval on Thursday.
Australia, despite losing wickets, stood tall at lunch, reaching an imposing total of 422 for 7.
The foundation of their innings was laid by the centurions Travis Head and Steve Smith, who stitched together an extraordinary 285-run partnership, the highest ever for the fourth wicket at this renowned venue.
As play resumed on day two, Smith, commencing on 95, wasted no time in reaching his 31st Test hundred, smashing consecutive boundaries off Mohammed Siraj. In the process, he equaled Joe Root's record of nine Test centuries against India, a remarkable achievement. Smith's patient innings of 121, adorned with 19 exquisite fours, proved his dominance at The Oval, marking his third century at the venue.
Head, on the other end, continued his onslaught, crossing the formidable milestone of 150 runs. However, the marathon partnership was finally broken when Siraj produced a cleverly directed short ball that forced Head to glove it down the leg side, offering wicketkeeper KS Bharat his third catch of the match. Head's magnificent knock of 163 off just 174 deliveries included an impressive tally of 25 boundaries, comprising 24 fours and a six.
Mohammed Shami, in a brilliant display of seam bowling, dismissed Cameron Green for six with a catch taken in the slips. Not long after, Shardul Thakur deceived Smith, inducing him to drag a delivery onto his stumps, concluding a hard-fought battle. Smith's departure marked a significant breakthrough for India, as his presence at the crease had been a formidable obstacle.
Mitchell Starc, in a moment of miscommunication, fell victim to a run-out after contributing just five runs. At lunch, Alex Carey stood firm on 22, providing valuable support, while skipper Pat Cummins, playing his 50th Test, joined him on two.
India's seamers, led by the likes of Siraj and Shami, showcased their mettle by dismantling the Australian batting order in the morning session. Their collective efforts not only kept India in the contest but also provided a glimmer of hope for the upcoming sessions in this highly anticipated WTC final.
(With inputs from Reuters)
