3rd Test: Smith and Head Guide Australia Past 100 Following India's Triple Wickets

Brisbane, Dec 15 (NationPress) Steve Smith and Travis Head have successfully revived Australia’s innings, reaching 104/3 in 43 overs at lunch, following India’s impressive triple strikes on day two of the third Test at the Gabba on Sunday.

After rain restricted play to just 13.2 overs on day one, the crowd was treated to an exciting morning session of Test cricket. Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy were among the wicket-takers for the Indian bowlers, who continuously challenged the Australian batters.

However, Smith and Head, who remained unbeaten on 25 and 20 respectively, demonstrated resilience in their approach to accumulate runs and ensured Australia surpassed 100 during the session. With the sun shining, Bumrah struck early, dismissing both openers in quick succession.

He first induced Usman Khawaja to push forward defensively, resulting in a catch for Rishabh Pant after Khawaja edged a length delivery, marking Pant’s achievement as the third Indian wicketkeeper with 150 Test dismissals.

Bumrah’s persistent back-of-the-length delivery then caused Nathan McSweeney to nick the ball straight to Virat Kohli at second slip. Despite the early wickets, Smith and Marnus Labuschagne began to look settled, even as India controlled the run rate through their change bowlers Reddy and Mohammed Siraj.

However, against the flow of play, Labuschagne attempted an extravagant drive off an overpitched delivery from Reddy, only to edge the ball to Kohli’s right at second slip, falling for 12. Smith survived two close lbw calls, while Head capitalized on anything wide, hitting four through extra cover off both Nitish and Bumrah, although he was beaten by Akash Deep from the round-the-wicket angle.

As the session concluded, with Australia scoring 76 runs, India was also relieved to see Siraj return to the field after briefly leaving due to a left hamstring issue in the middle of his 11th over.

Brief Scores: Australia 104/3 in 43 overs (Steve Smith 25 not out, Usman Khawaja 21; Jasprit Bumrah 2-26, Nitish Kumar Reddy 1-16) against India