Travis Head’s scintillating century and Steve Smith’s gritty ton powered Australia to a commanding 405 for 7 at stumps on day two of the third Test here on Sunday.
Head, who had already made a statement with his 140 in Adelaide, tormented India's bowlers again with a blistering 152 off 160 balls, while Smith, playing his first Test century in 25 innings, remained unbeaten on 101 off 190 balls.
The two shared a 241-run partnership for the fourth wicket after Australia had been in some early trouble, at 75 for 3, following India’s brief period of dominance in the morning session.
The day’s proceedings were dominated by Head and Smith, who wore down the opposition after Jasprit Bumrah (5/72) had provided a glimmer of hope for India with his second five-wicket haul of the series.
Despite Bumrah's brilliance, Australia’s tactical adjustments and their star batters’ resilient performances saw them surge forward.
Head’s hundred, coming after his strong start in the World Test Championship final at the Oval and a crucial knock in the ODI World Cup final, has made him one of India’s most formidable opponents in recent months. His partnership with Smith laid the foundation for Australia’s significant total.
Smith’s milestone also saw him join an elite list of batsmen with ten Test centuries against India, alongside Joe Root, while Sir Vivian Richards and Sir Garfield Sobers have eight each.
For Head, his current form against India in the last year has been exceptional, with no player accumulating more runs across formats against India in the past year.
However, India’s on-field strategies raised questions, especially in the early stages of Head’s innings when the field placements seemed less effective.
The deep point and deep square leg placements allowed Head to pick up easy singles and doubles, before he unleashed his power against short-pitched deliveries. Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s tactics appeared reactive rather than proactive, particularly when Head dispatched short balls with ease.
Smith, on the other hand, anchored the innings with a patient approach, gradually opening up as he gained confidence.
His change of stance – his third adjustment in as many Tests – seemed to pay dividends, as he manoeuvred the bowlers with ease. Akash Deep, despite bowling well, was unlucky not to break Smith’s defence.
India had briefly put Australia under pressure in the morning, with Bumrah striking early to dismiss Usman Khawaja (21) and Nathan McSweeney (9).
But despite the early breakthroughs, the Australians settled in as the day wore on, with Reddy and Siraj unable to provide the necessary breakthroughs to curb the growing partnership between Head and Smith.
Reddy did have some success, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne (12) with a delivery that swung late to Kohli at second slip, leaving Australia at 75 for 3.
There was a minor scare when Siraj limped off the field after feeling discomfort in his left knee, but he returned soon after, much to the relief of the Indian camp.
India will now look to make inroads early on day three, but with rain predicted over the next three days, the outcome of the game could be determined by the weather. As it stands, Australia is firmly in control.
Here’s the scorecard for Australia’s innings on Day 2 of the third Test:
Australia Innings
- Usman Khawaja – 21 off 54 balls
- Nathan McSweeney – 9 off 49 balls
- Travis Head – 152 off 160 balls
- Marnus Labuschagne – 12 off 55 balls
- Steve Smith – 101* off 190 balls
- Cameron Green – Not out
- Alex Carey – Not out
- Pat Cummins – Did not bat
- Mitchell Starc – Did not bat
- Todd Murphy – Did not bat
- Josh Hazlewood – Did not bat
Extras:
- Leg byes: 5
- No balls: 0
- Wides: 2
Total: 405/7 in 90 overs
Bowlers
- Jasprit Bumrah – 21 overs, 5 wickets for 72 runs
- Siraj – 16 overs, 0 wickets for 58 runs
- Akash Deep – 14 overs, 0 wickets for 47 runs
- Ravindra Jadeja – 16 overs, 0 wickets for 76 runs
- Nitish Reddy – 13 overs, 1 wicket for 65 runs
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