WTC Final 2023: Shardul Thakur ends Steve Smith's resolute innings after dogged century

Shardul Thakur, and his knack for picking crucial wickets for the Indian team, came to the rescue for the Asian giants once again as the medium pacer got rid of the well-set Steve Smith after the latter's defiant century. Smith's timely departure revived India's hopes of a comeback in the first innings of the World Test Championship Final at The Oval, London.

Steve Smith brought up his milestone century after dispatching Mohammed Siraj for consecutive boundaries in the very first over of the Day 2. His 31st Test century meant that he is only behind batting icons Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting in the list of most centuries for Australia in Tests.

It was also his ninth century against India in Tests, the joint most by a batter against the Asian outfit, along with former England skipper Joe Root. Even though Travis Head departed after his fiery knock, Smith was showing no signs of tiredness in the middle. However, Shardul Thakur's first delivery of the day induced an uncharacteristic poke from Smith, with the ball rattling his stumps after a big inside edge.

Smith's departure was the third wicket to fall in the morning session of the second day as India started clawing their way back into the contest. Earlier, Head's departure after a sizzling 163 off just 174 deliveries brought an end to a mammoth 285 runs stand, the fifth highest for Australia against the Indians in Test cricket.