3rd Test: Head and Smith's Centuries Propel Australia to Commanding Position Against India

Brisbane, Dec 15 (NationPress) With clear weather at the Gabba, Travis Head and Steve Smith delivered contrasting centuries to ensure Australia maintained dominance against a struggling India, reaching 405/7 in 101 overs at the end of day two of the third Test on Sunday.

The pair remarkably partnered for a 241-run stand off 303 balls for the fourth wicket, and with Alex Carey contributing an unbeaten 45, Australia had a memorable day, firmly in control of the match. Smith scored 101 with 12 boundaries, while Head blasted 152, featuring 18 boundaries.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah worked tirelessly to secure his 12th five-wicket haul, standing out with 5-72 in 25 overs. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mohammed Siraj claimed a wicket each, while Akash Deep troubled Smith and Head early but failed to take a wicket.

Overall, it was a day India would prefer to forget. They were thoroughly outplayed, lacking a plan to tackle Head, with their bowling depth and the absence of proactive field settings once again under scrutiny.

In the final session, India did manage to secure some late wickets, including those of Smith and Head. However, Carey ensured Australia surpassed the 400-run mark, which is crucial given the rain forecast for the remaining three days of the match.

Head continued to rack up runs, driving Reddy for four, and was given a reprieve at 112 when captain Rohit Sharma dropped a catch at first slip. Along with some loose deliveries from India, Smith and Head skillfully capitalized on boundaries off Reddy, Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja before India opted for the second new ball.

Despite the new ball, India's fortunes didn’t improve as Smith reached his 33rd Test century, ending an 18-month drought for a three-figure score in the longer format. Shortly after his century, Bumrah found Smith's outside edge, and Rohit successfully caught it at first slip, dismissing him for 101.

Head then reached 150, but Bumrah struck again. He dismissed Mitchell Marsh with an edge to second slip and later had Head nicking behind to Rishabh Pant.

Carey and Cummins added five boundaries in a 58-run stand for the seventh wicket before Cummins edged behind to Pant off Siraj. Carey showcased his prowess with a paddle and a slog-sweep off Jadeja for four and six, concluding a day that unquestionably belonged to 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