WTC Final 2023: [WATCH] Axar Patel Dismisses Mitchell Starc With A Diving Direct Hit

Axar Patel may not be participating in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final match against Australia at the Oval in London, but the 29-year-old already had an impact on Day 2 of the match on Thursday (June 8).

Mitchell Starc, who has three half-centuries against India, was removed by the left-hander using a direct hit. The incident happened in the 104th over of Mohammed Siraj’s bowling for the Australian team, when Starc attempted to steal a risky single at mid-on.

Axar caught the ball by diving to his left, which is his natural angle. He then drove it directly into the bowler’s end stumps. The bails were displaced while Starc was almost a yard outside of his crease.

With the dismissal, India dropped Australia to 402/7 during the first session of Day 2 to start their comeback in the WTC 2023 final.

Day 2 of the WTC 2023 final features an outstanding run out of Mitchell Starc by Axar Patel

The run out of Mitchell Starc is below:

Axar Patel with a brilliant RUN OUT!#CricketTwitter #INDvsAUS #WTC23Final #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/zqbFRHLKQQ

— chasingthetarget (@chasingtarget) June 8, 2023

Team India makes a comeback during the opening session of Day 2 of the WTC 2023 final. Team India recovered admirably on Day 2 following a forgettable Day 1 performance. After being caught behind the wickets, Mohammed Siraj first got rid of Travis Head (163).

India broke their 285-run fourth-wicket partnership with Steve Smith (121) when he was dismissed. After Smith reached his 31st Test century in the crucial final, Shardul Thakur also delivered a flawless delivery to send him back.

As Cameron Green was being caught by Shubman Gill at slips, Mohammed Shami also joined the group. The India bowling unit will now try to leave Australia as soon as possible.

With captain Pat Cummins and wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey at the crease, Australia, which had started the day at 327/3, was at 422/7 at lunch. The team will attempt to raise the score above 500. When the Indian batters come out to bat in their first innings, the pressure will be on them to accumulate a massive total.

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