'I don't understand. This is the WTC Final' - Former Pakistan captain criticises India's preparations for the Ultimate Test following poor Day 1 at Oval 

WTC final (Source: Twitter)

Having crossed the 300-run mark with the loss of just three wickets on Day 1, Australia are currently bossing in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. India got off to a decent start as they reduced Aussies to 76/3 shortly after lunch, but Travis Head and Steve Smith put on stunning partnership to steal the momentum from India. If India fail to pick up quick wickets, Australia will score big in the first innings and make things tougher for Rohit Sharma's side.

Following India bowlers dismal performance at The Oval on Wednesday, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has slammed Team India's preparations for the Ultimate Test. Raja said that India should have played some practice matches in England ahead of the final to acclimatise to the conditions.

"One-off Tests are difficult to assess what you have to do. A team comes from sub-continent conditions to these cold climates, and have to adjust in 5-6 days. That too, without even playing a game. I don't understand. This is the WTC Final, India should have at least had inter-squad matches before this. Even if you had played 3-4 one-day matches, you get acclimatized to the conditions," Raja said on his official YouTube channel.

"After four overs in IPL, you have to bowl 17 here in a day"

Notably, most of the Indian players come after playing the Indian Premier League (IPL), while most of the Australian players skipped the T20 league and played county cricket with proper rest.

"It is overcast, the pitch conditions are quite different. You want to have adjustment. Bowlers also need to adjust their lines and lengths here. After four overs in IPL, you have to bowl 17 here in a day. The body needs rest,” the former Pakistan Cricket Board chief added.

Earlier, many legendary cricketers had said that Australia are the favourite to win the WTC final. Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri said Australia has the upper hand as India are without Jasprit Bumrah. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also sided his country citing Team India's lack of preparation.