Day 1 of the World Test Championship final between India and Australia at The Oval saw a “brave man” on the Indian camp convince Virat Kohli to reconsider a DRS call.
India was in for a long day at The Oval as Australia blasted 327/3 on Day 1 of the World Test Championship final. Travis Head and Steve Smith compiled an unbroken partnership of 251 runs to repel the Indian bowlers after India quickly gained three wickets by removing Usman Khawaja, David Warner, and Marnus Labuschagne. The Indian thinktank was mostly in the dark regarding what happened on the first day of the WTC final, especially given the type of start their bowlers had. Head completed his sixth Test century, while Smith is approaching his 31st.
The Indian speed bowling combination of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami challenged Australia in cloudy circumstances with faultless line, length, seam and swing, but once the ball was 10 overs old and the heavens cleared, batting became simple. The choice to field R Ashwin outside of the Playing XI and to field four pacers didn’t appear as wise as it had earlier. Siraj sent Khawaja packing for a duck, and Shardul Thakur stopped David Warner’s resurgence. Labuschagne was often in danger and given little room to act; he managed to get away with a few DRS calls.After Marnus escaped two LBW calls, Labuschagne went out of the game with a flawless Shami delivery that kept its line after pitching.
On an otherwise long day, the Indian squad only had a few gains, the most notable of which was KS Bharat. Bharat demonstrated why he was chosen above Ishan Kishan in the playing XI of India with his impeccable wicketkeeping and two catches, first taking a legal catch to eliminate Khawaja and then leaping to his right to grab a crisp catch to dismiss Warner. Bharat also garnered attention for his outstanding wicketkeeping as he caught a high, quick ball from Shami. Smith attempted to pull the ball but failed before Bharat made a timely leap and finished the take.
But there appeared to be a sound when the ball passed the bat. Even though the on-field umpire first ruled the player not out, a few Indian fielders behind the bat were ecstatic, with Virat Kohli being the most emotional. The former captain of India was positive that the ball had struck the gloves, but in a rare instance, Bharat calmed him down, convinced him to forgo the review, and persuaded captain Rohit Sharma to agree. Former England captain Nasser Hussain praised Bharat for this deed.
“He treated Virat Kohli quite harshly. It was challenging to override Kohli, but he successfully did so. Bharat, who was competing in his fifth Test match, had to rush to King Kohli and tell him, “Nope, you got that wrong,” as Kohli wanted to review that. He commented, “Brave man, but you’re correct.
Regarding the event, Ravi Shastri commented that few people have the guts to persuade Kohli to take a chance on his choice. When questioned by Justin Langer if there are players on the squad that can defy Kohli and dispute his decisions, the former India coach responded, “He jolly well be a senior.” “Yes, these batsmen as well as the rivalry. He wouldn’t have been half as expressive if it had been anyone else. In fact, Virat had to be told to calm down by Pujara of all people. ‘ Calm down.
