Rahul Dravid opens up on fast bowling application, strategic failures and shot selection following WTC final heartbreak

Following a crushing 209-run defeat at the hands of Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final, India head coach Rahul Dravid opened on the massive setback and what led to the loss at The Oval in London.

Notably, Rohit Sharma-led team India opted to bowl first in overcast conditions, which inevitably put the side on the back foot. With this, the Aussies capitalised and put up a magnificent show in the first innings, as they concluded with a humongous first innings total of 469 runs. 

After thoroughly dominating India throughout the crucial clash, head coach Dravid rued his side’s dismal approach with the ball on Day 1 and added that Travis Head’s stellar century changed the game's complexion.

"Yeah, it was difficult. We have seen that we keep fighting no matter how far we are as per the situation. We have fought and made comebacks in the past. We gave a good fight in two days. We needed a brilliant, exceptional performance," Dravid told on Star Sports.

"It was not a 469 runs wicket. I feel the runs we have leaked to the lower middle order, that is a thing. We knew what line and length we had to bowl; we didn't bowl the right line. We gave away room to Travis Head who capitalized. I feel, in that stage, we went behind. Maybe, in the second innings, we could have been careful while playing a few shots," he added.

Head’s magnificent innings with the bat came at a point when the Aussies lost important scalps of David Warner, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne on Day 1. The southpaw’s aggressive knock included 25 boundaries and a solitary maximum in his 174-ball 163. He also combined to add a 285-run partnership with Steve Smith which kept the Aussies in the driver's seat.

Furthermore, Head was also adjudged Player of the Match following the resounding win at The Oval. In the process, Australia became the first side to clinch all ICC titles across the three formats of the sport.