WTC Final | Labuschagne, Warner Steady Australian Innings After Siraj's Early Burst

Warner in action against India [AP Photos]

The much anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final kicked off from Wednesday at the iconic Kennington Oval Stadium.

Dark cloud and a green top awaited the two teams as India elected to bowl first. The new ball bowlers, Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj were almost spot on with their lines and lengths, and did manage to get rid off Usman Khawaja for a naught, but the trusted duo of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne snatched the momentum in their favour as Australia finished on 73 for 2.

IND-AUS: Talking Points

Siraj's early burst troubles Australia

With Shami being a touch too short in the initial few overs, Siraj took the matters in his own hands and was almost unplayable in his first spell. The Indian seam bowler bowled at the right lines and lengths and consistently troubled the Aussies batters, as he dismissed Khawaja without troubling the scorers.

His seam movement was almost impeccable and he did manage to beat the outside-edge numerous times. On one occasion, the extra bounce from a good length troubled Labuschagne as it struck him on the thumb and the batter was in some pain.

Warner-Labuschagne snatch the momentum

Once the early storm was weathered by the Australian duo, they took the attack to the Indian bowlers. Umesh Yadav, who struggled with injury in the recently concluded IPL was taken to the cleaners by David Warner as he smashed the Indian pacer to four boundaries in an over.

Umesh, missed his mark and the Australians took advantage of the situation as the Indian team was pushed on the back-foot.

DRS call goes against India

While Umesh was struggling, Shardul was terrific from the other end. He asked questions to Australian duo outside the off stump and was unlucky not to get the wicket. Labuschagne struggled against the seam movement and Shardul did trap him on the back-leg, but the decision went against the Indian side as it was the umpire's call.

The man with the golden arm, Shardul finally got the prized wicket of David Warner for 43. He dugged it short down the line as Warner missed his pull and the edge was taken by a diving KS Bharat.

Expectations from second session

India need early inroads. The weather has got better and the pitch is looking good for the batters. India cannot afford to slip up from here on. For Australia, they would want Smith and Labuschagne to continue the good work.

Brief Scores

Australia: 73 for 2 (23)

David Warner 43 (60), Marnus Labuschagne 26* (61);

Mohammed Siraj 1-16 (6), Shardul Thakur 1-16 (5)