The 69-run partnership between Warner and Labuschagne frustrated the Indian team.
Opting to bowl first, the Indian team started the match on a strong note, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing Usman Khawaja for a duck. Afterwards, the duo of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne added 69 runs for the second wicket to steady the ship.
Considering the overcast conditions and a green-tinged pitch at the Oval, the partnership between Warner and Labuschagne frustrated the Indian team.
During the 18th over of Australia’s first innings, Shardul Thakur bowled a well-pitched delivery that struck Labuschagne’s pads. As India were desperate for a breakthrough, skipper Rohit Sharma signalled the umpire for a DRS without even looking towards him.
While the review turned out to be in vain, Rohit’s gesture to the umpire for DRS caught everyone’s attention.
Taking to Instagram, ICC shared a video of the incident with the caption, “How to ask a review ft. Rohit Sharma. #WTC23 #cricket #cricketreels”.
In the end, it was Shardul who eventually broke the partnership by removing Warner at the stroke of lunch break for 43.
In the post-lunch session, Mohammad Shami provided India with an ideal start by claiming Marnus Labuschagne’s wicket for 26.