IND vs AUS, 3rd Test: Jasprit Bumrah fifer falls short to contain Australia

Brisbane: Australia ended Day 2 of the Gabba Test in a commanding position, amassing 405/7 by the third session against a toiling Indian bowling attack here on Sunday. The hosts’ total marked their first 400+ score against India in 11 home Tests, the last being a mammoth 572/7 declared at the SCG in 2015.

The day belonged to Travis Head and Steven Smith, who rescued Australia from a precarious 75/3 with a game-changing 241-run partnership. Head played a scintillating knock of 152 from 160 balls, dominating the Indian bowlers with his aggressive strokeplay.

His innings, studded with 18 fours, was not only a display of power but also a historic milestone, as he became the first batsman to score both a King Pair and a century at the Gabba in the same calendar year.

Smith, known for his consistency against India, played a composed knock of 101. His century tied him with Joe Root for the most Test hundreds (10) against India, further underlining his status as one of the greatest players of his generation. Smith’s innings featured 12 boundaries and highlighted his ability to anchor the innings in challenging conditions.

India started the day strongly, with Jasprit Bumrah removing Usman Khawaja (21) and Nathan McSweeny (9) early. Bumrah’s fiery spells created pressure, and at one stage, Australia was struggling. However, the Head-Smith duo counterattacked effectively, neutralising the Indian bowlers.

Bumrah eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Smith with a sharp catch at slip by Rohit Sharma, before removing Head to complete his five-wicket haul.

Bumrah was the standout performer for India, finishing the day with figures of 5/72 from 25 overs. His ability to generate pace and movement made him a constant threat, even as the other bowlers struggled to make an impact. Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up a wicket each, but Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja had a forgettable day, failing to capitalise on any opportunities.

Alex Carey added to India’s woes in the final session, playing an enterprising knock of 45* off 47 balls. His fluent strokeplay ensured Australia maintained a healthy scoring rate, keeping the pressure on the Indian bowlers. Mitchell Starc also provided valuable support with an unbeaten 7.

The Australians’ innings progression highlighted their dominance, with their scoring rate accelerating significantly after the 60th over.

India’s fielding also left much to be desired, with crucial missed opportunities, including a dropped catch by Rohit Sharma, proving costly. The bowlers appeared fatigued in the final session, a concern given the workload ahead in the series.

Australia’s strong position now leaves India with an uphill task to claw back into the game.

With a potent bowling attack led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc waiting in the wings, the visitors will need a special effort to stay competitive. As Day 3 approaches, the pressure is firmly on India to respond decisively.