Despite a good start, the visitors India are under pressure at the stumps on the second day of the Brisbane Test as Steven Smith and Travis Head’s centuries set the full control of the game for the hosts Australians.   

After the rain-interrupted opening day of the Gabba Test, which experienced only 80 balls, Australia started the second day at 28/0. 

India controlled the first session

In the first half an hour, both the Aussie openers Usman Khawaja and newcomer Nathan McSweeney were dismissed by the Indian star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up the third wicket by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne, which came after the Aussie batter’s hilarious bails swap moment with Mohammed Siraj. At that moment, Australia scored 75/3. 

Steven Smith and Travis Head replied strongly

Hosts dominated in the second session, where Steven Smith and Travis Head added 130 runs in 27 overs without losing their wickets. After Head’s naturally aggressive batting, Smith came out from the pressure and set a great example with his familiar batting. 

After completing his half-century in 71 balls, Head scored his ninth Test century in 115 balls. It was his second century in this Test series, which came in consecutive innings. 

Meanwhile, Smith completed his first 50 runs in 128 balls and then completed his century in 185 balls. It was his first Test century after 24 innings. While it was his 33rd Test century, he surpassed legendary Steve Waugh to record the second most Test centuries by an Australian batter. While Smith recorded the joint most Test centuries against India with English legend Joe Root by recording his 10th Test hundred, he also set a new record for most international centuries against India with his 15th international century. 

See Also: Mohammed Shami included in Bengal squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy

Jasprit Bumrah shined once again

However, Jasprit Bumrah once again put the visitors in the game by taking wickets with the second new ball. While Smith lost his wicket for 101 runs (12 fours) as he produced a thick edge to the slip, captain Rohit Sharma grabbed a superb catch to end the frustrating partnership. Before that wicket, Smith and Head had a partnership of 241 runs for the fourth wicket.

Soon, Bumrah dismissed Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head in a single over. While Marsh only managed to score five runs, Head lost his wicket only after scoring valuable 152 runs off 160 balls (18 fours). It was Head’s 140+ runs in back-to-back Test innings. 

Alex Carey and the skipper Pat Cummins had a 58-run partnership for the seventh wicket before Cummins was caught behind in Mohammed Siraj’s over after scoring 20 runs. 

Australia scored 400+ total after 16 Test innings

Australia ended the second day of the Gabba Test at 405/7. While Carey scored 45 not out off 47 balls with five fours and one six, Mitchell Starc was not out at seven runs. They have set up a 20-run partnership for the unbroken eighth wicket. It was Australia's first 400+ total after 16 Test innings, including 12 completed or declared innings.

Jasprit Bumrah completed his 12th Test five-wicket haul by ending the day with the bowling figures of 25-7-72-5. 

While the in-experienced Indian batting has been struggling, Australia have the headache of poor weather forecast for the next three days of the Test match. As the series is in the 1-1 level position, this third Test of the five-match Test series is very crucial for both teams, who can afford a draw but not a defeat.