Bowling-wise, we could have been more disciplined on the opening day of the WTC Final: Paras Mhambrey

On the first day of the World Test Championship final, India won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pat Cummins’ Australia. After a few early breakthroughs, Travis Head and Steve Smith struck India with lethal blows that placed Australia in a commanding position. After losing three wickets for only 76 runs, Smith and Head counterattacked India’s bowling lineup.

By the conclusion of the first day, Smith was unbeaten on 95 runs off 227 balls and Head was unbeaten on 146 runs off 156 balls. In response to the poor performance of the Indian bowlers, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey stated that the bowlers lacked discipline and conceded more runs than desired.

“We could have been a little more disciplined with our bowling. We began extremely well. During the first 12–13 overs, we bowled effectively. However, we may not have been as disciplined with our bowling after that. India Today quoted Paras Mhambrey as saying, “We conceded a little bit more than we would have liked.”

“The quality changed slightly in the morning. During the first hour, there was some swelling. “As the day progressed, the pitch became a little flatter than we had anticipated,” he added.

Paras Mhambrey is very essential to us tomorrow morning.

In addition, despite India’s predicament, Paras Mhambrey was optimistic as day 2 of the WTC final approached. Additionally, he opined that the early portions of the second day could be crucial for India, as they would be eager to take early wickets.

The question “Why not? (Can India make a comeback?) I believe the conditions and the pitch improved. After receiving the second new ball, there was some seam and movement on the pitch. The morning of tomorrow is crucial for us. Mhambrey concluded, “If we can pick up one or two early wickets, we certainly have a chance to get back in the game.”