Watch: KS Bharat's flying catch dismisses David Warner on Day 1 of WTC final

In a highly anticipated clash between Australia and India, the World Test Championship final of 2023 kicked off at the Kennington Oval in London. The first session of Day 1 witnessed a gripping battle between bat and ball, with both teams fighting for supremacy.

David Warner, the Australian opener, showcased his trademark focus and determination as he weathered the storm of the new ball. Despite facing a few testing deliveries, Warner managed to survive and gradually found his rhythm. Displaying his attacking prowess, he unleashed an onslaught in an over bowled by Umesh Yadav, dispatching four consecutive boundaries.

As Warner approached his half-century, the game took an unexpected turn. Shardul Thakur delivered a well-directed bouncer, enticing Warner into attempting a pull shot. Unfortunately for the left-hander, the ball found his gloves, resulting in a flying deflection towards the Indian wicket-keeper, KS Bharat. With lightning reflexes, Bharat dived to his right and completed a stunning catch, sending Warner back to the pavilion just seven runs short of his fifty.

Here's David Warner's dismissal: 

 

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Warner's departure marked a significant breakthrough for India, breaking his solid partnership of 69 runs with Marnus Labuschagne. The Australian dressing room welcomed Warner as he departed after contributing a crucial 43 runs off 60 deliveries, including eight boundaries.

KS Bharat, the Indian wicket-keeper, proved his mettle behind the stumps on his Test debut in England. Despite apprehensions about the challenging conditions for wicket-keeping, Bharat displayed exceptional skills. Apart from his incredible catch to dismiss Warner, he adeptly collected deliveries that evaded the Australian batsmen's edges, allowing no further byes apart from one conceded in the session.

At the conclusion of the 33rd over, Australia stood at 116/3. Travis Head (29), alongside the experienced Steve Smith (13), remained at the crease. With the match delicately poised, the stage was set for an enthralling contest between two fierce rivals in the quest for the ultimate Test cricket glory.