WTC FinalBowlers lacked discipline on Day 1 vs Australia, says India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey

By India Today Sports DeskIndia’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey conceded that the bowlers lacked discipline on Day 1 of their World Test Championship final after starting well in the first hour against Australia at the Oval in London.

India won the toss and opted to bowl first, after which Mohammed Siraj gave the team an early breakthrough, removing Usman Khawaja in the 4th over of the big summit clash.

However, things went downhill for India despite Australia slipping to 76 for 3, losing David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne on either side of the lunch break.

India’s pacers lost steam and lone spinner Ravindra Jadeja was not able to get them breakthroughs as Travis Head and Steve Smith added 251 runs for the 4th wicket and remained unbeaten on 146 and 95, respectively.

WTC Final 2023, IND vs AUS Day 1Report

None of the Indian bowlers, barring Ravindra Jadeja, conceded at less than 3.50 as Head tore into the bowling attack, scoring 22 boundaries and a six as he brought up the first century in the history of the WTC final in just 106 balls.

Australia scored 157 runs in the final session as the runs came freely with the Indian shoulders beginning to drop.

“In terms of the bowling, we could have been a little more disciplined. We started off very well. In the first 12-13 overs, we bowled in the right areas. But maybe after that, we kind of weren’t disciplined with our bowling. We conceded a little more than we would have preferred,” Paras Mhambrey told the press on Wednesday.

MHAMBREY HOPEFUL OF INDIAN COMEBACK

The bowling coach, who defended benching R Ashwin for the WTC Final, also said the pitch became better for batting more than what India expected at the start of the day’s play.

“The pitch did little bit in the morning. It seamed around a bit in the first hour. As the day progressed, the pitch got a little flatter than what we expected it would be,” he added.

India are in a spot of bother after having conceded aplenty on Day 1 but Paras Mhambrey said a couple of wickets on Thursday morning can change things around for the Asian giants.

India’s pacers, who have had very little recent experience of playing the longest format, looked cooked at the end of the long day and they will need to step up and deliver big if the team is to keep Australia to under 400-450.

“Why not? (Can India bounce back?) I thought conditions.. The pitch got better. We took the second new-ball and there was some seam and movement of the pitch after that. Tomorrow morning is very important for us. If we pick up one or two early wickets, we definitely have the opportunity to come back into the contest,” he added.