Head, Smith turn tide for Australia in WTC final against India

Travis Head's dashing century was the centrepiece of an Australia fightback against India on the opening day of the World Test Championship final at The Oval on Wednesday.

Australia were in a commanding position on 327-3 at stumps after losing the toss, with Head 146 not out and Steve Smith 95 not out.

SCORECARD | WTC Final: Australia v India

Smith brought up the pair's 250 stand off the last ball of the day when he guided Mohammed Shami through the covers for a sweetly timed four.

The fourth-wicket duo had come together with Australia in trouble at 76-3 after being sent into bat in bowler-friendly conditions.

But as the sun burst through the clouds in south London, the runs started to flow.

"Losing the toss this morning, we've done exceptionally well," Head told Sky Sports.

"I was trying to make sure I was in really good positions today. I got tested through parts of that.

"I just tried to work through those periods and be adjustable and stay relaxed."

Head was troubled by left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja but by counter-attacking from the start of his innings -- 24 of his first 27 runs came in boundaries -- he put the pressure back on the bowlers.

With Smith, who before this match averaged nearly 98 in Tests at The Oval, batting in more conventional fashion it gave the 29-year-old Head freedom to keep playing his shots.

"I always love batting with Steve (Smith)," said Head. "You need to have plans bowling to him because he's so unique.

"You say he played second fiddle but I always feel I'm playing second fiddle to him and can go a bit under the radar."

By the time India tested Head with the short ball, he was well set and a pulled single off Shami took him to a sixth Test hundred in just 106 balls, including 14 fours and a six.

"