India vs Australia, WTC Final Day 2 Live Score: IND eye early wickets

India vs Australia Live score: Indian bowlers run to the ground

Ricky Ponting had observed in the commentary box observed how three of India's pacers - Shami, Siraj and Thakur were all bending their front legs towards the end of Day 1. It is not something that Siraj and Shami do usually and it indicated nothing apart from just how tired they were by that point in the day. How India would hope to avoid a situation like that today.

IND vs AUS Live score: Head on the headway Australia have made

“Losing the toss this morning, we've done an exceptionally good job day one. Lot of hard work to do in the morning, but nice to come off with a really good start. I had a wonderful time, this time in '19, we played a million warm-up games and A series. This time completely different. We know the process well and train and have the backing. (Key to success) Making sure I am in really good position, I felt like today I was for most of my innings. I was tested, there were moments I thought they were going to come with plans. Trying to be adjustable on the job, work through and negate those periods and stay relaxed at the same time. It's nice when you have got a bloke at the other end playing as well as he is. I always love batting with Steve, I always feel I go under the radar because there are so many plans bowling to him. You say second fiddle, but I feel like I am doing that to him. (On the pitch) As it gets quicker, you may see more nicks. It was a touch slow, it was challenging with both new balls.”

WTC Final 2023 Live score: Wickets that fell on Day 1

India did not have to wait too long to get a breakthrough on the first day. In-form opener Usman Khawaja was sent back for a duck by Mohammed Siraj in the fourth over. David Warner, who was looking quite dangerous, then held fort with Marnus Labuschagne for nearly 20 overs after that before falling after scoring 43 in 60 to Shardul Thakur. That wicket came in part due to a sensational catch behind the wickets by KS Bharat. Labuschagne fell to Shami in just the second over of the second session on 26 and Australia were 76/3. From there, it was all Head and Smith and Australia ended the day on 327/3.

India vs Australia Live Score: The Smith and Head partnership

It is one that has reaped rich dividends for Australia this WTC cycle. One is a batter who has hit the sweetest of purple patches, the other is an all-time great who permanently lives in a patch of that colour. Smith and Head have had eight partnerships in this cycle in which they have scored 695 at a blinding average of 99.28. They have had three century stands and one half century stand, with a highest of 251 not out. That score was achieved yesterdat and Unfortunately for India, it did look they are going to pile on many more the way they were batting towards the end of the Day 1. Fortunately for India, 't is a new day!

IND vs AUS Live Score, WTC Final Day 2: What can Indian bowlers do

First and foremost, be more consistent and try to bowl six balls in one area, according to the field. Secondly, Head looked really uncomfortable when the short ball was aimed at his body. India took a whole lot of time to use those tactics and when they finally did, Siraj and Shami were tired. They can try that early on Day 2. 

India vs Australia Live Score, WTC Final Day 2: Head ahead of Pant

With his blistering knock, Travis Head has moved ahead of Rishabh Pant for highest strike rate in this WTC cycle (2021-23). Head currently has a strike rate of 81.91; Pant had finished with 80.81.

India vs Australia Live Score, WTC Final Day 2: Travis Head on the pitch

IND vs AUS Live Score, WTC Final Day 2: India in desperate need of early breakthroughs

The Indian bowlers will be aiming to make quick inroads in the opening session of Day 2 at the WTC Final. According to India star Dinesh Karthik, the side will have to resort to treat “draw as a win” if it lets Australia go past the 420-run mark in the first innings.

India vs Australia Live Score: Weather forecast for Day 2

It is expected to be sunny and bright throughout the whole day in London, so we will likely have a full day's play today. 

India vs Australia Live Score: Gavaskar baffled with Ashwin's snub

India vs Australia Live Score: Ashwin's absence divides opinion

India vs Australia Live Score, WTC Final Day 2: Bowlers disappoint

While India did make a strong start to the match, removing three batters early in the Aussie innings, the pacer's choices of lines and lengths – particularly against Travis Head – did raise eyebrows. Head had less difficulty taking on the bowlers – Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav in particular – as the duo has conceded at an economy rate of 4.20 and 3.90 so far.

IND vs AUS Live Score, WTC Final Day 2: Steve Smith, composed as ever

As Travis Head took an aggressive approach, Smith bid his time at the crease. Watchful and resolute, the Australia batter took 38 more balls than Head needed for his century, just to score his 68th Test half-century. He has an average of nearly 97 at the Oval, and stayed true to it as he ended the day at an unbeaten 95.

India vs Australia Live Score, WTC Final Day 2: A sensational outing for Head

Travis Head came to bat when Australia were struggling at 76/3. Staying true to his game, Head began an onslaught on the Indian bowlers and snatched the momentum, racing to his fifty off just 60 deliveries. He eventually ended the day on an unbeaten 146 and looks set for a massive score in the ‘Ultimate Test’

 India vs Australia Live Score, WTC Final Day 2: Hello and welcome!

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of India vs Australia, WTC Final Day 2 from The Oval in London! India will be aiming for a strong start after a disappointing opening day on Wednesday, while the Australian duo of Steve Smith and Travis Head will hope to pick from where they left on Day 1.