India and Australia are going head to head at the Oval Cricket Ground on Thursday, June 8th. In what is the second day of the WTC final, Australia began the day on the driving seat. Steve Smith (95) and Travis Head (146) began the day with utmost confidence.
The two quickly clinched their respective century and 150 quickly. Soon however India managed to get the wicket of Head at the score of 361/4. Head’s wickets came in as a huge boost to India. In order to build on this, Indian bowlers began charging in aggressively.
Led by Mohammed Siraj the Indian bowling attack bowled more short balls and in general was more aggressive in the field. Siraj who is known to be aggressive on the field, had a tussle with Smith during the first session of Day 2.
While getting ready to face Siraj’s ball, Smith walked away at the very last ball due to the movement of Spidercam which was going from straight to the leg side. This infuriated Siraj who had already into his bowling stride.
Watching Smith move away at the very last moment angered the Indian bowler and he threw the ball towards the wicket in a rage. The Australian batter could then be seen explaining what made him move away at the very end.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Mohammed Siraj’s and Steve Smith’s heated moment:
Attitude as if he has 5 fer, what a loser
— Sultan Khan (@MainHoonSultan7) June 8, 2023
Australia: we will try to bat 2 sessions, get close to 550 & then declare
India bowlers: if we let them score 550 in the first session only we don't need to bowl in the second session pic.twitter.com/VTgBFRDfUh
— Rishabh (@Pun_Intended___) June 8, 2023
Siraj is bringing in the much needed intensity.. It's clear that he needs this game badly.. Hope all bowlers and fielders bring the heat and keep talking for every ball
— Sanjumon (@starringSANJU) June 8, 2023
The problem with Siraj is , he thinks he is established player like Mc Grath , Brett Lee , Anderson , Broad … If these players sledge than its a different story , they have achieved a lot but what's Siraj done , He needs to earn the respect first by playing good cricket .
— Patriotic Indian (@WishMaster2019) June 8, 2023
?? 2 fours after this
— N. (@Relax_Boisss) June 8, 2023
Finally, we need some fire from someone in this team, the captain is quiet
— Gills (@gpricey23) June 8, 2023
Few Moments Later pic.twitter.com/bIE6yH4IR2
— xuenain ???? (@meer_xuenain) June 8, 2023
Siraj talks. Smith speaks with his bat
— Rohit (@rohitk_10v2) June 8, 2023
I love siraj man , his agression show how hungry he is for wickets . sometimes you have to appreciate agression
— evolving (@Vaike1403) June 8, 2023
Australia in control at lunch
At lunch on Day 2. Australia seem to be in control of the match. The Pat Cummins-led side have 422/7 on the scoreboard. Alex Carey is batting at 22 whereas Pat Cummins is batting at 2. India would be looking to pack the Australian inning as soon as possible and hopefully put some runs on the board at towards the end of the day.
Rohit Sharma and co would also be looking to lose as few wickets as possible. The WTC final still hangs in great balance with both teams capable of turning the game in their bag.
