India have been off to a disappointing begin on Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final towards Australia on the Oval. Travis Head scored an excellent ton whereas Steve Smith offered correct assist to complete at 327 for the lack of 3 wickets. The Indian bowlers didn’t look fairly spectacular and former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja had an fascinating level to make about their efficiency. Raja mentioned that India ought to have performed some video games forward of the WTC Final to be able to get acclimatised to the situations and the dearth of preparation can find yourself hurting them.

“One-off Tests are difficult to assess what you have to do. A team comes from sub-continent conditions to these cold climates, and have to adjust in 5-6 days. That too, without even playing a game. I don’t understand. This is the WTC Final, India should have at least had inter-squad matches before this. Even if you had played 3-4 one-day matches, you get acclimatized to the conditions,” Raja mentioned on his official YouTube channel.

“It is overcast, the pitch conditions are quite different. You want to have adjustment. Bowlers also need to adjust their lines and lengths here. After four overs in IPL, you have to bowl 17 here in a day. The body needs rest,” he added.

Travis Head and Steve Smith have been batting on 146 and 95 respectively at shut of play on Day 1 as Australia added 157 runs within the closing session which had 34 overs with out dropping any wicket. The duo added 251 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket stand.

Earlier, Australia, who have been invited to bat, had added 97 runs within the post-lunch session in 28 overs for the lack of one wicket. They have been 73 for two at lunch after opener David Warner made 43 off 60 balls.
Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur took a wicket every on the day.

(With PTI inputs)