Brisbane, Dec 15 (NationPress) With clear skies over the Gabba, Travis Head and Steve Smith produced remarkable centuries, allowing Australia to seize control against a struggling India, concluding day two of the third Test at 405/7 in 101 overs.

The pair formed a productive partnership of 241 runs off 303 balls for the fourth wicket, coming together at 75/3. Alongside Alex Carey, who remained unbeaten on 45, Head and Smith ensured Australia enjoyed a memorable day.

Smith scored 101, marking his first century since the second Ashes Test in June last year, while Head's explosive 152 included 18 boundaries, marking consecutive Test centuries against India.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer, taking his 12th five-wicket haul with figures of 5-72 in 25 overs. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mohammed Siraj each claimed a wicket, while Akash Deep troubled the batsmen but failed to take a wicket.

Overall, it was a challenging day for India, who lacked a strategy to counter Head's onslaught, and their bowling depth and field placements were again called into question.

Following a rain-affected first day with only 13.2 overs bowled, spectators were treated to an exhilarating morning session. Bumrah struck early, dismissing both openers in quick succession.

He first had Usman Khawaja caught for nine after drawing an edge, becoming the third Indian wicketkeeper with 150 Test dismissals. Bumrah then had Nathan McSweeney nicking to Virat Kohli at second slip. Despite India restricting the scoring rate, Smith and Marnus Labuschagne began to settle, even as Siraj left the field briefly due to a hamstring injury.

Labuschagne fell for 12 after edging a delivery from Reddy. Smith survived two close lbw appeals while Head capitalized on anything loose, hitting four through extra cover off Nitish and Bumrah, although he was occasionally challenged by Akash Deep.

In the post-lunch session, Head continued his assault, showcasing a variety of shots to frustrate India. After a streaky boundary, he ramped Bumrah over slips and pulled Ravindra Jadeja for another four.

Despite some tight bowling from Akash Deep, Head found the boundaries and reached his fifty in just 71 balls. India's strategy of bowling short backfired as Head capitalized, while Smith also reached his fifty.

Even with Bumrah back in the attack, Head was unstoppable, driving Reddy through mid-on for four. Smith reached his 33rd Test century after an 18-month drought, but shortly after, Bumrah caught his edge, leading to his dismissal for 101.

Head continued to shine, reaching 150, but Bumrah struck again, dismissing Mitchell Marsh before getting Head caught behind.

Carey and Pat Cummins added 58 runs for the seventh wicket, with Carey hitting boundaries before the day concluded, which was dominated by Australia.

Brief Scores: Australia 405/7 in 101 overs (Travis Head 152, Steve Smith 101; Jasprit Bumrah 5-72, Nitish Kumar Reddy 1-65) against India