Travis Head hits WTC final’s first ton, helps Australia take charge of title decider against India

Travis Head’s debonair unbeaten century (146) and his 251-run fourth wicket partnership with the reticent Steve Smith (95 not out) put Australia in a commanding position of 327/3 against India on the opening day of the World Test Championship final on Wednesday.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl on a greenish pitch at the Oval under overcast conditions, India made an early breakthrough after opting for a four-man pace attack in bowler-friendly conditions as Australia lost opener Usman Khawaja (0).

But as the sun appeared over the ground in South London, the wicket gradually eased up and runs began to flow for the Aussies, who scored at an average of around four runs an over throughout the opening day.

Arriving at the crease with Australia in slight trouble at 76/3, Head was in control from the very beginning of his knock. David Warner (43) had weathered the early quetions posed by Indian pacers but failed to convert after laying a strong foundation.

Head built on it and his task was made easier by Umesh Yadav’s self-defeating short bowling, as the left hander score 24 of his first 27 runs in boundaries.

Stumps on Day 1 🏏

Indian bowlers were made to toil as Travis Head and Steve Smith put Australia in control 👊

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Only Ravindra Jadeja probed him initially but once he confidently drove him for a boundary, India’s decision to drop top-ranked Test bowler Ravichandran Ashwin seemed hollow.

Head relished on some wayward deliveries to score at a fast rate, pulling and cutting with gusto when the ball was itched short or width was provided.

It forced India to test the 29-year-old with short balls, but Head was prepared for it and he brought up his sixth Test century, first in a WTC final by any batter, with a pull off Mohammed Shami.

He completed his century in only 106 balls, and ended the day having hit 22 boundaries and a scooped six against Shami.

The reliable Smith, who struck 14 boundaries in a typical solid knock, was happy to play second fiddle in their partnership, lifting Australia to 170/3 at Tea as India toiled hard but without much success.

Brief Scores: Australia 1st Innings: 327 for 3 in 85 overs (David Warner 43, Travis Head 146 batting, Steve Smith 95 batting; Mohammed Siraj 1/67, Shardul Thakur 1/75, Mohammed Shami 1/77).