"It's over boys" - Top 10 funny memes after Australia dominate Day 1 of WTC 2023 final vs India
Australia got themselves into a great position on Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final against India on Wednesday, June 7, at the Oval. After being asked to bat first, they managed to reach 327/3 at stumps.
Team India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first, considering the prevailing overcast conditions in the morning. Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj vindicated his decision by utilizing the conditions well and troubling the Australian batters early on.
Siraj gave India an early breakthrough by dismissing Usman Khawaja for a 10-ball duck. But things went south for the subcontinental team when Umesh Yadav came into the attack after the first hour.
Yadav released the pressure created by the opening bowlers through some wayward bowling. David Warner took advantage and smashed him around the park to inject some much-needed momentum into Australia's innings.
Shardul Thakur dismissed Warner (43) at the stroke of lunch to bring India back into the contest. Mohammed Shami then cleaned up Marnus Labuschagne (26) after lunch to reduce Australia to 76/3.
With his side under pressure, Travis Head (146* off 156 balls) played a sensational counter-attacking knock to power his side to a great total on Day 1. He played with positive intent from the outset to take the initiative away from India.
Steve Smith (95* off 227 balls) played a perfect foil to Head with a gritty knock of his own. The duo batted through till the stumps, and have added 251 runs for the fourth wicket so far.
Fans enjoyed the cricketing action that unfolded on Day 1 of the WTC 2023 final. They expressed their views by sharing hilarious memes on Instagram and Twitter.
Here are some of the best reactions:
Indian bowlers today.
#INDvsAUS | #WTCFinal2023 https://t.co/QOC4iSsiHW
IPL captain Rohit Sharma 😭 https://t.co/NsLkvTF4tF
"It was challenging with both new balls" - Australia batter Travis Head after smashing a century on Day 1 vs India
After stumps on Day 1, Travis Head said it was challenging to face the new ball. He felt that their side did a great job batting first after losing the toss.
"After losing the toss this morning, we have done an exceptional job," Head said. "Lots of hard work to do tomorrow morning, with the new ball. (Key to his success) Making sure I am in good positions. There were moments when I knew they would come with plans. Work through and navigate through them."
"(On his partnership with Smith) I always love batting with Smith, it is like I fly under the radar," he added. "(On the pitch) Hopefully, as it gets quicker, you will get a few more nicks. It was challenging with both new balls."
Do you think India can make a comeback on Day 2? Sound off in the comments section.