Smith Praises Head's Efforts in Their 241-Run Partnership

Brisbane, Dec 15 (NationPress) Australia batter Steve Smith expressed deep admiration for his teammate Travis Head as they forged a staggering 241-run fourth wicket partnership on Day 2 of the third Test against India at The Gabba on Sunday.

Head, who scored 152 runs off 160 balls, was the driving force during their partnership, achieving his ninth Test century. This marked his second consecutive century in the series against India, having scored 140 in the first innings of the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval.

Meanwhile, Smith, who had been facing challenges in the series, broke an 18-month century drought to secure his 33rd Test hundred, surpassing the legendary Steve Waugh.

Reflecting on their partnership that placed Australia in a dominant position, Smith commended Head for making the experience effortless for him in the middle.

"It was nice. The top three did a pretty good job. They played 50 balls each. The new ball was doing a fair bit. It was nice to get in, get some luck early and get that partnership with Heady. He makes things look easy. The scoreboard is moving so quickly. I was toe-to-toe with him after the break but it was wonderful to watch him go. I had the best seat in the house," Smith told the Australian broadcaster.

India commenced the day strongly by claiming early wickets of openers Usman Khawaja (21) and Nathan McSweeney (9) off Jasprit Bumrah in the opening spell. Despite delivering excellent lengths, Akash Deep could not secure a breakthrough as Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed to India's third wicket, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne (12), leaving Australia at 75/3.

However, Smith and Head ensured that Australia did not lose any further wickets in the session and managed to shift the momentum in their favor with their match-defining partnership.

"We have had few partnerships before and hopefully, more to go. I felt good. Missed out for a little while now. Nice to get to triple figures. I said to a few guys. Batting has been difficult, especially against the new ball. A lot of credit must go to them as well," Smith added.

At stumps, Australia was positioned at 405/7 with Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc not out on 45 and 7, respectively.

For India, Bumrah ended the day with figures of 5-72 while Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed one wicket each.