Brisbane: Travis Head and Steve Smith’s spectacular centuries placed Australia in a commanding position against India on Day 2 of the Brisbane Test. Head’s electrifying 152 off just 160 balls, paired with Smith’s dogged 101, propelled the hosts to 405/7 at stumps, leaving India to rue missed opportunities and questionable decision-making.
The duo’s fourth-wicket partnership of 241 runs, spanning nearly 50 overs, turned the match on its head after Jasprit Bumrah had given India a dream start to the day.
The Indian bowlers, led by a sensational Bumrah, had their moments but lacked the depth and consistency to sustain pressure on a largely batter-friendly surface. Bumrah’s five-wicket haul—his second of the series—kept India in the game, but the visitors were left to rue their decision to bowl first and their inability to back up their spearhead with effective support.
The Indian spearhead struck early, removing both Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney with deliveries that teased the edges, reducing Australia to 75/3. His masterful use of the fuller length created uncertainty in the batters, with Khawaja edging behind to Rishabh Pant for the keeper’s 150th dismissal, while McSweeney succumbed to a sharp ball angled across him.
Nitish Reddy added to India’s early momentum by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne for 19, with a wide delivery luring the right-hander into a loose shot. At 75/3, India seemed in control, but that’s when Smith and Head began their game-changing partnership.
Head, fresh off a stellar series, arrived at the crease with aggressive intent, immediately shifting India’s focus. Despite a nervy start, Smith weathered the storm, surviving a close LBW call and several false shots. The duo weathered the initial burst and dominated the wicketless second session, adding 127 runs between overs 60 and 80, with Head racing to his century in just 114 balls.
Head’s calculated assault, particularly against Siraj and Jadeja, saw him plunder runs at will. Jadeja was driven over mid-off, while Siraj’s short-ball ploy failed to trouble the left-hander, who dispatched him with ease through both the off and leg sides. Smith complemented Head’s aggression with precision, bringing up his 33rd Test century and his first in a lean 2024.
India clawed back late in the day with the second new ball as Bumrah produced another fiery spell. He dismissed Head, Smith, and Mitchell Starc in quick succession, all to catches behind the wicket. His relentless accuracy and movement provided India with a glimmer of hope, reducing Australia to 327/6.
However, Alex Carey (45*) and Pat Cummins (23) counterattacked in the dying overs, adding 58 crucial runs for the seventh wicket. Carey’s unbeaten knock ensured Australia maintained the upper hand heading into Day 3.