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WTC Final | Electrifying Head, Composed Smith Tease India as Australia Head Into Tea at 170/3


image-lilroieoHead reached his fifty in 61 balls [AP Photos]

Fair to say that the post-lunch session has belonged to Australia, who have dominated the proceedings against the Indian attack.

India started on the front-foot, with the big wicket of Marnus Labuschagne, but that was the only joy they had throughout the session as the duo of Travis Head and Steve Smith have taken Australia to 170 for 3 on the board.

Talking Points

Shami cleans up Labuschagne with a pearler

The post-lunch session couldn't have started on a brighter note, as Mohammad Shami had his tails up. With Labuschagne looking rather scratchy, Shami produced the ball of the match so far. His good length delivery threatened to move away, but nipped back in at the last moment to castle Labuschagne's stumps.

His wicket meant Australia had lost two wickets in quick successions and India were on the front-foot.

Smith, Head hammer Indian bowlers

Travis Head brought his own 'Bazball' style of play as he took on the Indian bowlers right from ther word go. The southpaw never allowed the Indian bowlers to take control of the proceedings as the boundary floodgates opened.

At one stage, he was 20 off 12 deliveries, and was dealing in boundaries. Siraj peppered him up with a couple of short deliveries, but he consistently missed his mark and allowed the Aussie batter to run away with the contest.

He was amply supported by Steve Smith, who has a stellar record at this venue. The right-handed batter played with a lot of patience and struck the odd boundary whenever he got a loosener. In the process, he also increased his average to 60.

Meanwhile, Head raced away to a 61-ball 50 and strengthened Australia's position at the Tea.

Expectations

The wicket has eased out and the Australian batters will look to continue the good work. The Indian attack lacks the cutting-edge and both the batters will be eyeing a big total. On the other hand, India need wickets if they are to stay in the contest.

Brief Score

Australia: 170 for 3 (51)

Travis Head 60* (75), Steve Smith 33* (102);

Mohammad Shami 1-30 (10)