Xtra Time Web Desk: Australia are in complete command of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 after Day 2 at the Oval. Riding on the centuries from Travis Head (163 off 174) and Smith (121 off 268), Australia posted a mammoth 469 all out. In reply India are struggling at 151/5 with all the big guns back in the hut. Rohit Sharma and his boys still trail by 318 runs.
The star of the day was undoubtedly Australia’s vice-captain Steve Smith as he scored his 31st test ton, third at the same venue. Resuming the day on 327 for three, Travis Head (163 off 174) and Smith (121 off 268) walked into the middle under bright sunshine at The Oval. Smith, who was on 95 overnight, hit Mohammed Siraj for consecutive boundaries in the first over of the day to complete his seventh hundred in England. Smith and Head added 285 runs for the fourth wicket. When it looked like Australia will post in excess of 500 runs in the first innings, Indian bowlers led by Mohammed Siraj pulled things back, restricting the Australians to 469 runs.
Indian top order once again failed as they lost five wickets with only 151 runs on the board. Ravindra Jadeja (48 off 51 balls) and Ajinkya Rahane (29 batting off 71) offered hope to the partisan Indian supporters at The Oval with a 71-run stand off 100 balls before the former fell to Nathan Lyon 20 minutes before close of play. India still trails by 318 runs with half of the side back
Key batters Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli all failed to read the wicket. Jadeja showed good intent with his innings comprising seven fours and a fine flick off Boland that went all the way for a six.