Australia dominated the second day of the third Test against India, reaching a commanding 405 for 7 wickets, powered by two exceptional centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith.
Travis Head continued his fine form, smashing a remarkable 152 off just 160 balls. He shared a monumental 241-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Steve Smith, who returned to form with a gritty 101 off 190 deliveries. This partnership firmly placed Australia in the driver’s seat in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series.
Head, who had scored 140 in the previous Test, displayed his attacking prowess once again, leaving the Indian bowlers struggling for answers. Smith, on the other hand, showcased patience and determination, crafting his 33rd Test century and his first in 24 innings. Reflecting on his performance, Smith stated, “It’s just nice to get to three figures, been a while. I’ve been batting well recently, sticking to my processes, and trusting that things would turn around.”
India’s Bowling Effort
Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer for India, claiming an impressive 5 wickets for 72 runs. His fiery spells provided early breakthroughs, removing both Australian openers in the morning session and later dismissing Marnus Labuschagne. Despite Bumrah’s efforts, other bowlers struggled to make an impact. Akash Deep (0/78) bowled well but was unlucky not to pick up a wicket, while Mohammed Siraj (1/97) appeared hampered by discomfort in his leg. Ravindra Jadeja (0/76) failed to capitalize on a flat pitch offering little assistance.
Australia’s Resilience
Resuming at 28/0 after a rain-hit opening day, Australia faced an early wobble but recovered through the brilliance of Head and Smith. Their partnership not only stabilized the innings but also shifted momentum decisively in favor of the visitors. Speaking about his partnership with Head, Smith said, “It felt a lot like the World Test Championship Final. The way he came out and smacked it allowed me to play my game. It was a fantastic day for us.”
Head’s aggressive approach and Smith’s composure perfectly complemented each other. “The way Travis puts bowlers under pressure from the start is incredible,” Smith remarked, praising his teammate’s ability to score in unconventional areas and keep the scoreboard ticking.
Looking Ahead
With 405 runs on the board and three wickets still in hand, Australia holds a commanding position. The third day promises more challenges for the Indian bowlers as Australia aims to extend their lead and tighten their grip on the match.