WTC 2023 Final [WATCH]: KS Bharat takes a sensational grab to see-off David Warner

India opted to bowl first in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023. Australia lost a wicket early after being invited to bat first on a green-looking surface with the weather being overcast. Usman Khawaja got out for a duck on the sensational delivery of Mohammad Siraj. A couple of quick wickets at that stage would have exposed the inexperienced middle-order line-up of Australia in the middle. But from there on, watchful David Warner and determined Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship for the Aussies.

Both batters adopted the cautious approach at the start when the conditions were unfavourable. Once the sun came out, runs started flowing freely. The signs were looking ominous for India as the second-wicket partnership between Warner and Labuschagne took the score to 71/1 with lunch around the corner. But Shardul Thakur had some other plans. He weaved his magic, dismissed dangerous-looking Warner just before lunch, and brought India back into the match. Indian wicket-keeper KS Bharat took a spectacular catch down the leg, with the ball going away from him.

On the fourth ball of the 22nd over, Warner, who already scored a four in the second delivery, again tried to whack a short ball to the boundary. However, he could only glove it down towards the leg-slip region. Bharat moved swiftly to his right and dived full length to take the low catch. The ball was way inches from touching the grass ; the keeper made no mistake in completing the catch and sent the southpaw back to the hut.

Here’s the video:

https://twitter.com/shivangian10x/status/1666408591040073730

Notably, Australia reached 327 for three at the stumps on the opening day of the WTC final against India. The Aussies blasted out an astounding 157 runs in the final session without losing a single wicket. India were left reeling by the relentless 251 partnership between Steve Smith (95 not out) and Travis Head (146 not out).