Gabba Test: Head, Smith put Australia in command against India
Australia's Travis Head celebrates after scoring a century on the second day of the second cricket Test match between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval. PHOTO: AFP
Australia batter Steve Smith scored a century on Sunday during the second day of the third Test against India at the Brisbane Cricket Ground.
The former Australian captain reached his 33rd career century in 185 balls, marking a strong return to form. This century ended a run of 25 innings without a three-figure score for Smith.
Meanwhile, Travis Head continued his fine form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring his ninth Test century on Day 2, taking Australia to 315/3.
Coming to the crease at 75 for 3, Head countered India’s bowlers with flair, reaching his hundred in just 115 balls. The left-hander struck 13 boundaries during his knock, frustrating India’s pacers and spinners alike.
Head began cautiously but soon shifted gears, targeting Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah in particular. His fifty came off 71 balls, and he continued to dominate after lunch, showcasing his trademark aggression.
This century was Head’s third against India, a team he has tormented in recent matches. He surpassed 1,000 runs against India in Brisbane, maintaining an average of over 51.
His recent form includes more than 600 runs in his last seven innings against Rohit Sharma’s side, making him the leading run-scorer in the ongoing series with over 300 runs.
The Brisbane crowd roared in support as Head propelled Australia to a position of strength, building a solid partnership with Smith.
India’s bowlers struggled to find breakthroughs despite disciplined spells from Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja.
Australia resumed on 28 for no loss, but Jasprit Bumrah made an early breakthrough on the second day of the third Test. In his seventh delivery of the morning, Bumrah got opener Usman Khawaja to edge one to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, dismissing him for 21.
Bumrah struck again in his next over, removing Australia's rookie opener Nathan McSweeney for just nine. The ball angled in, caught the thick edge of McSweeney’s bat, and was safely collected by Virat Kohli at second slip.