Alex Carey's Determination Shuts All Doors For 'Unlucky' India; Rohit Sharma & Co. Set For A Mammoth 444-Run Chase

India need to chase 444 runs chase to win WTC Final (AP Photo)

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey came to the crease at 124-5, with Australia leading by 297 runs. From then on, Carey showcased what he is made of and shut all doors for India's comeback in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 at The Oval. Thanks to the keeper's partnership with Mitchell Starc, the Aussies have given India a target of 444 runs to chase, which has never been accomplished in Test cricket.

Talking Points

Disciplined Indian bowling weren't fruitful

Unlike the first innings, the Indian bowling was far more disciplined in the second innings, resulting in Australia losing five wickets at 124. All the Indian seamers were unplayable at times and, on a better day, would have scalped at least a five-wicket haul for them. However, luck didn't favour them again. Countless edges fell short of the fielders, and on various occasions, the batter almost ricocheted onto the stumps - but none of that happened for Rohit Sharma & co. in Australia's second innings.

Eventually, Carey, who got an excellent 46 in the first innings, scored a match-turning half-century, taking the Aussie lead to surpass 400 and beyond before Pat Cummins asked the Indians to try their hand in the chase.

Prince Gill turns into Unlucky Shubman

Gill was given out on a dubious call (AP Photo)

The Indian openers - Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill - got off to a flyer as they came out to survive half a dozen overs before Tea. Rohit studied some impeccable strokes across the park, while Gill looked equally poised. However, luck - as it hasn't been favouring Indians - went against the opener, who edged a good length delivery from Scott Boland towards the six-foot-seven-inch tall Green at gully, who dived in front and took a questionable take.

The on-field umpire gave Gill out, and the TV umpire, Richard Kettleborough, made a dubious decision as there wasn't any conclusive evidence.

Expectations

After Gill's dismissal, the already near-to-impossible chase has become more challenging for the Indians, but Rohit and Cheteshwar Pujara will need to put each onus of their prowess and try to have a wicketless session as they want to miracle to happen in this match.

On the other hand, Australians will be bowling the balls in the right area and letting the scoreboard pressure do all the work.

Brief Score

Australia - 270-8 (84.3 overs)

Alex Carey - 66* (105), Mitchell Starc 41 (57)

Ravindra Jadeja - 3/58 (23), Mohammed Shami - 2/39 (16.3)

India - 41-1 (7.1 overs)

Rohit Sharma - 22* (25), Shubman Gill 18 (19)

Scott Boland - 1/10 (3.1)

India require 403 runs