Travis Head scored a blistering 152, while Steve Smith anchored Australia’s innings with a gritty 101, putting the hosts in a commanding position to take a 2-1 lead in the ongoing five-Test series against India.
As rain continues to threaten the remaining days of play, India’s chances of winning the match appear slim. With weather forecasts predicting further interruptions over the next three days, India’s only realistic hope is for a draw.
The first day of play was largely washed out, with only 13.2 overs completed on Saturday. However, India made a promising start on Sunday, claiming three quick wickets in the first hour. Despite this early success, Head and Smith’s steady partnership ensured that Australia would finish the day in control.
Head Dominates with Aggression
Head’s innings was the standout performance of the day. Coming into the match with three consecutive failures at the Gabba, the Australian opener appeared to be playing on a different pitch compared to his teammates. While others struggled, Head came out firing, taking on an increasingly demoralised Indian attack.
He punished any loose deliveries and brought up his century off just 115 balls. Head continued to accelerate, reaching 150 from 157 balls, and hit a total of 18 fours. His quickfire knock effectively batted India out of the game.
Smith praised his teammate’s aggressive approach, stating, "The way he can put the bowlers under pressure from the outset is incredible. It’s nice to get into a partnership with him. The scoreboard moves so quickly."
Smith’s Steady Hundred
While Head dominated from the outset, Smith’s innings was more cautious. The former Australian captain struggled early on, playing and missing several times, and was fortunate to survive a few lbw appeals. However, as his innings progressed, he gained confidence, and once past 50, began to play with greater fluidity.
Smith reached his 33rd Test century, and his first in 18 months, to a rapturous reception from the Gabba crowd.
Reflecting on his long wait for a century, Smith said, "It’s been a little while. You need a bit of luck playing on these surfaces, and I think I got a bit of luck early on. It’s been pretty challenging, the new ball’s been doing a fair bit on most of the wickets we’ve been playing on."
Smith’s stay was short-lived, as he fell soon after reaching his century, edging Jasprit Bumrah to Rohit Sharma at first slip with the score on 316.
Bumrah and India’s Fightback
Australia began the day at 28-0, but lost the wickets of Usman Khawaja (21), Nathan McSweeney (9), and Marnus Labuschagne (12) in the extended first session.
Despite the early setbacks, Head and Smith’s partnership of 241 pushed Australia to 327-5, leaving India with little room for error.
Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, was the standout bowler for the visitors, claiming five wickets, including the crucial dismissals of Mitchell Marsh (5) and Head (152) with the second new ball. His efforts temporarily stemmed the tide, but India’s bowlers, for the most part, struggled to execute their game plan.
India’s Bowling Coach on Areas to Improve
Morne Morkel, India’s bowling coach, admitted that while Head was in superb form, India’s attack had strayed from their game plan during the middle overs. "From overs 50 to 80 is where we fall short, leaking runs a bit, so that’s where we need to get better," Morkel said.
"At 3-70, if we’d got two more wickets, we’d have been right back in the game. We’ve got the game plans, but executing those game plans with the softer ball is an area we have to focus on."
At the close of play, Alex Carey was unbeaten on 45, with Mitchell Starc at the crease on seven, as Australia finished the day in a strong position at 327-6.
With rain threatening the remainder of the match, India’s chances of forcing a result appear remote, with the hosts looking to build a commanding lead in the series.
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