• Travis Head smashed a remarkable ton on Day 2 of the third Test between Australia and India.

  • Australia displayed remarkable resilience to reach 234/3 against India at Tea.

AUS vs IND: Fans erupt as Travis Head lights up Gabba with a stellar century on Day 2 of the Brisbane Test
Travis Head (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

On Day 2 of the 3rd Test at the Brisbane Cricket Ground, Australia displayed remarkable resilience to reach 234/3 at Tea. After a shaky start, they recovered through a stunning partnership between Steve Smith and Travis Head. India’s decision to field first, banking on early movement and overcast conditions, initially bore fruit on the second day with Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy striking early blows. However, the hosts’ middle-order stood tall to put them in a commanding position by the second interval.

Early breakthroughs for India

India began the day strongly, with Bumrah setting the tone. He removed Usman Khawaja (21) in the 17th over, inducing an edge that Rishabh Pant comfortably pouched. Bumrah then dismissed Nathan McSweeney (9), caught brilliantly by Virat Kohli at first slip, leaving Australia at 38/2. Nitish Kumar joined the party with his maiden Test wicket, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne (12) after Kohli took a sharp catch in the slips. At 75/3, Australia looked vulnerable, with India hoping to run through the middle order.

Travis Head’s dazzling century at Gabba

Head was the standout performer of the day so far, delivering a counter-attacking masterclass. Walking in with Australia in trouble at 75/3, Head took the attack to the Indian bowlers. He raced to his half-century off 71 balls, punishing anything short or wide with trademark cuts and pulls. Head continued his aggressive approach after the lunch break, finding gaps effortlessly and dominating the spinners. He brought up his seventh Test century off just 115 balls, a knock laced with 13 boundaries. Head’s ability to counter-attack not only eased the pressure on Smith but also helped Australia seize momentum in the match.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj pulls bail swapping trick; Marnus Labuschagne falls in next over on Day 2 of the Gabba Test

Steve Smith anchors the innings for Australia

Smith, struggling for consistency this year, provided a much-needed anchor to the Australian innings. The former captain began cautiously, aware of the challenging conditions and India’s disciplined bowling. He gradually found his rhythm, keeping the scoreboard ticking with occasional boundaries. Smith’s patience was evident as he played out 128 deliveries to reach his half-century, striking just four boundaries. His ability to rotate the strike kept India’s bowlers at bay and allowed his partner, Head, to flourish at the other end. Smith remained unbeaten on 65 at Tea, playing a crucial role in stabilizing Australia’s innings.

A frustrating session for India

India’s bowlers struggled to maintain their discipline as the day progressed. Bumrah, the pick of the bowlers, delivered a fiery spell, finishing with figures of 2/51 from 19 overs. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep bowled tightly but failed to make breakthroughs, while Ravindra Jadeja looked ineffective on a pitch offering little assistance. Nitish Kumar showed glimpses of promise, claiming Labuschagne’s wicket, but his lack of experience was evident in his inability to build sustained pressure. The lack of wickets in the second session allowed Australia to dictate terms and steadily increase their scoring rate.

Also WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah’s annoyance caught on stump mic – AUS vs IND 3rd Test

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About the Author:
AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.