Travis Head unleashed a scintillating century in just 106 deliveries, while Steve Smith achieved a well-deserved half-century, propelling Australia to assert complete dominance on the opening day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Team India at The Oval. Following a slight stumble in the second session of Day 1, with Pat Cummins and his teammates struggling at 76/3, the duo formed a pivotal alliance for the fourth wicket.

The commencement of the day witnessed India making a strong start, as fast bowler Mohammed Siraj swiftly dismissed Usman Khawaja for a duck in the initial session. However, opener David Warner and the top-ranked batsman Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship, forging a resilient partnership of 69 runs for the second wicket. Unfortunately, the left-handed Warner succumbed for 43 runs from 60 deliveries. 

Labuschagne's innings was curtailed early in the second session by Mohammed Shami, who claimed his wicket after scoring 26 runs. Nonetheless, Smith and Head then took charge, ensuring Australia's firm grip on the possibility of amassing an imposing first-innings total.

The remarkable collaboration between Head and Smith accumulated a staggering 251-run partnership off 370 deliveries, steering Australia to a commanding score of 327/3 in 85 overs by the end of Day 1 in the WTC final at The Oval.