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When Travis Head-Inspired Australia Hunted Down India In Dominant WTC 2023 Final

Akshita Patel

India and Australia featured in WTC 2023 final [Source: @pratyush_no7/X.com]India and Australia featured in WTC 2023 final [Source: @pratyush_no7/X.com]

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 Final was played between Australia and India at The Oval in London from June 7 to 11. Travis Head played one of the best innings in WTC history, which drove the Aussies to their maiden title win. 

On the first day, Australia were in some trouble at 76 for 3. That's when Travis Head came in. Fearless and confident, he never allowed the pressure to overwhelm him. Batting alongside Steve Smith, Head contributed a match-winning 163 off 174 balls, whipping 25 fours and a six.

Smith also contributed a century (121 from 268 balls), which helped Australia reach 361/4. This attacking stand left India on the back foot, and when Day 1 was over, Australia were in command of the game.

Travis Head’s Ton Helped Australia Clinch Maiden WTC Title

Due to the strong innings of Head and consistent support from Smith, Australia registered a huge first-innings score of 469 runs.

In the second inning, India succumbed to 296. Australia, meanwhile, declared at 270 in the third inning, posting a giant 443-run target for the men in blue. India didn’t stand a chance and got bowled out for 234 runs in the last inning, handing the Aussies a dominant 209-run victory.

Travis Head was rightly named Man of the Match. His century came at the perfect time, under tough conditions, and against one of the best bowling attacks in the world.

This was India’s second consecutive loss in a WTC final, whereas Australia clinched their first title in their maiden WTC final appearance.