WTC final: Australian pacers put India on backfoot

Despite a comeback by Indian pacers, Australia strengthened their position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final as they dismissed both Indian openers in the second session of the second day of Thursday after scoring 469 runs.
India lost Cheteshwar Pujar after tea being bowled by Green on 14. After his dismissal, Rahane has come to bat. Kohli also failed to make a substantial score, being dismissed on 14. However, all the Indian batters are looking shaky against the quality pace attack of Australia. India lost both openers before tea. At tea, India’s score read 37 for 2.
Currently, India has been struggling at 72 for the loss of four wickets since the last news was written.
The Australian innings ended at 469. Siraj was the leading wicket-taker for India, taking 4/108 in 28.3 overs. Shami and Shardul Thakur both took two wickets each, while Jadeja got one wicket.
Earlier, Head and Smith started the proceedings on a positive note. Both the Australian overnight batters were looking confident of piling up a huge total. The Indian pacers were trying their best to break this partnership.
Siraj sent Head back to the pavilion with a score of 163. He played a superb knock at the Oval. After that, Smith was bowled by Thakur on 121. Gradually, Indian bowlers got rhythm, line, and length and started taking Australian wickets at regular intervals.However, the partnership of Smith and Head has already put the Aussies in the driver’s seat. But the Indian bowlers bowled well and bowled out Australia for 469.
Rohit Sharma and in-form batter Shubman Gill, started the innings on a positive note but got out cheaply. All the Australian bowlers are looking dangerous on the bowlers’ friendly track.