On Day 2 of the third Test in Brisbane, Head of Travis and Steve Smith He produced exceptional centuries that put Australia in a dominant position. Head’s knock of 160 off 152 balls, featuring 18 boundaries, was a masterclass in attacking batting. His ability to find gaps and convert scoring opportunities into boundaries showcased his aggressive intent. Meanwhile, Smith’s 101 from 190 overs provided crucial stability in the middle order, bolstering Australia’s innings with his patient and disciplined approach. The pair added a 241-run partnership for the fourth wicket to put India behind. Australia finished on 405/7gets a significant lead.
India’s early dominance with the ball
It looked effective as India’s decision to bowl first jasprit bumrah created a brilliant spell. He took five wickets for 72 runs in 25 overs, knocking out key Australian batsmen. Osman Khawaja (21), Nathan McSweeney (9) and Mitchell Marsh (5). Bumrah’s blistering pace and movement disrupted Australia’s top order, keeping India in the contest despite Australia’s early dominance. However, Muhammad Siraj and a debutante Nitish Kumar Reddy Reddy was unable to build sustained pressure especially when struggling to maintain control. India’s bowling attack could not find a way to dismiss Smith and Head, leaving the middle order unscathed.
Steve Smith and Travis Head take control
The partnership between Smith and Head proved to be the turning point of the match. Known for his patience and endurance, Smith reached his 27th Test century with a composed innings, grinding away the bowlers and keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Head, on the other hand, played aggressively, unleashing boundary shaking that kept the pressure on the Indian bowlers.
The contrasting approaches of Smith and Head frustrated India’s bowlers who could not break their partnership despite repeated attempts. Smith’s composure on the one hand and Head’s attacking intent on the other allowed Australia to take complete control of the session. Smith’s 27th century in Test cricket cemented his reputation as one of the best batsmen in difficult conditions, while his ability to counter India’s bowlers laid the foundation for the Australian team.
Late resistance from Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc
After Smith and Head left, Alex Carey He put up valuable resistance with 45 off 47 balls, ensuring Australia maintained their momentum in the innings. Carey’s knock was instrumental in keeping the run rate steady and Australia’s total past 400. Mitchell Starcon the other hand, short-backed Australia ended the day on a strong note, scoring 7 runs off 7 balls. Extras also played a significant role, adding 33 runs to Australia’s total, highlighting India’s struggle to maintain control and stem the flow of runs.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Netizens go wild as Steve Smith hits 33rd century on Day 2 of Brisbane Test
Jasprit Bumrah’s batting effort
India now face a formidable task trailing by 405 runs when they start their reply. While Bumrah’s heroics offer some hope, India’s batsmen have to face tough conditions. The Brisbane surface continues to favor the bowlers, offering pace and bounce that will test India’s top order. jasprit bumrah‘s five-wicket run was a superb performance, constantly troubling Australia’s top order with his pace and movement. However, the lack of support from the other bowlers ensured that Australia capitalized on the pressure and extended their lead.
Here’s Twitter’s reaction:
Sachin in the 1990s
Bumrah in the 2020s
– This is the peak, India is blessed
pic.twitter.com/9mosviu6lC
– Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 15, 2024
Jasprit Bumrah takes wickets on flat pitch, green pitch, sandy ground, black ground, clay ground, roads, highways, railways, air, water
pic.twitter.com/lkVXWgofNm
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) December 15, 2024
Right now, nobody deserves the Indian Test captaincy more than Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit should politely hand it over to him immediately after this match is over.
— Cricket
Lover // ICT Fan Account (@CricCrazyV) December 15, 2024
Imagine if we had one more bumrah
— vishal dayama (@VishalDayama) December 15, 2024
Maturity understands that we won the first match thanks to Jasprit Bumrah masterclass, otherwise this team can’t win either at home or away.
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) December 15, 2024
Today is Champions Day at the Gabba. An emotional, hard-fought hundred for Steve Smith, a typical knock for Travis Head and another masterclass from Jasprit Bumrah.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 15, 2024
Australia reaching 400 in the first innings of a Test at the Gabba is an extremely comforting childhood flashback.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) December 15, 2024
Travis Head gets fired after another marathon hit
#TravisHead #AUSWIND #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/wh66K3tbmA
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 15, 2024
A special Bumrah on his birthday.
There’s no better gift than twin tones from Smith and Head.
There is no one like Jassi.
A Bumrah.
— Nikhil
