AUS vs IND [Twitter reactions]: Travis Head, Steve Smith’s ton put India on the backfoot despite Jasprit Bumrah’s fifer on Day 2 of the Brisbane Test

On Day 2 of the third Test at Brisbane, Travis Head and Steve Smith produced exceptional centuries that put Australia in a commanding position. Head’s innings of 152 off 160 balls, which featured 18 boundaries, was a masterclass in attacking batting. His ability to find gaps and convert scoring opportunities into boundaries showcased his aggressive intent. Meanwhile, Smith’s 101 off 190 deliveries provided crucial stability in the middle order, anchoring Australia’s innings with his patient and disciplined approach. The pair added a 241-run partnership for the fourth wicket, leaving India on the backfoot as Australia finished at 405/7, gaining a substantial lead.

India’s early dominance with the ball

India’s decision to bowl first initially appeared effective, as Jasprit Bumrah produced a brilliant spell. He claimed five wickets for 72 runs in 25 overs, removing key Australian batsmen like Usman Khawaja (21), Nathan McSweeney (9) and Mitchell Marsh (5). Bumrah’s incisive pace and movement unsettled Australia’s top order, keeping India in the contest despite Australia’s early dominance. However, Mohammed Siraj and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy failed to build sustained pressure, with Reddy particularly struggling toꦕ maintain control. India’s bowling attack couldn’t find a way to dismiss Smith and Head, leaving the middle order unscathed.

Steve Smith and Travis Head take control

The partnership between Smith ꦓand Head proved to be the turning point of the match. Smith, known for his patience and resilience, reached his 27th Test century with a composed innings, grinding down the bowlers and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Head, on the other hand, played aggressively, unleashing a flurry of boundaries that kept the pressure on the Indian bowlers.

The contrasting approaches of Smith and Head frustrated India’s bowlers, who failed to break their partnership despite repeated attempts. Smith’s composure at one end and Head’s attacking intent at the other allowed Australia to gain complete control of t▨he session. Smith’s century, his 27th in Test cricket, reinforced his reputation as one of the premier batsmen in challenging conditions, while his ability to counter India’s bowlers laid the foundation 𝔉for a commanding Australian total.

Late resistance by Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc

After the departure of Smith and Head, Alex Carey provided valuable resistance with an unbeaten 45 off 47 balls, ensuring Australia maintained momentum in the innings. Carey’s knock was crucial in keeping the run-rate steady and pushing Australia’s total beyond 400. Mitchell Starc, at the other end, chipped in with 7 runs off 7 balls, providing brief support as Australia ended the day on a stron𝓀g note. Extras also played a significant role, with 33 runs added to Australia’s total, highlighting India’s struggle to maintain control and stem the flow of runs.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Netiz♔ens go wild as Steve Smith hits 33rd century on Day 2 of the Brisbane Test

Jasprit Bumrah’s fighting effort

India now faces a monumental task, trailing by 405 runs, as they begin their reply. While Bumrah’s heroics provided some hope, India’s batters must counter the challenging conditions. The Brisbane surface continues to favor the bowlers, offering pace and bounce that will test India’s top order. Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul was a standout performance, constantly troubling the Australian top order with his pace and movement. However, the lack of support from other bowlers meant Austra🌺lia capitalized on the pressure, ensuring they extended their dominance.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Sachin in 1990's 🤝 Bumrah in 2020's

– This is peak, India is blessed 🦁

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)

Jasprit Bumrah takes wickets o🌠n flat pitch, Green pitch, sandy soil, black soil, clay soil, on roads, on highways, on railway tracks, on air, on water 🙏

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda)

𝔍No one deserves Indian Test captaincy more than Jasprit Bumrah at the moment, Rohit should gracefully, Handover to him immediately after this match gets ove๊r.

— Cricket�𒆙� Lover // ICT Fan Account (@CricCrazyV)

imagine if we had one more bumrah

— vishal dayama (@VishalDayama)

Maturity is realising we won the first match because of Jasprit Bumrah masterclass, otherwise this team can neither win at home🅘 ♛nor away.

— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey)

A day for champions at the Gabba today. An emotional, hard fought hundred fo🎃r Steve Smith, a typical stroke filled one for Travis Head and another ma🍌sterclass from Jasprit Bumrah.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)

Australia ♔reaching 400 in the first innings of the Test at a Gabba is an extremely comforting childhood throwback.

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny)

Tr🧜avis Head gets dismissed after another marathon innings 👏

— betvisa69.com (@CricketTimesHQ)

One Bumrah special on birthday.

No better gift apa🉐rt f🐻rom the twin tons from Smith and Head.

There is nobody like Jassi.

One Bumrah. 🙏

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS)

Also READ: AU🅰S vs IND: Fans erupt as Travis Head lights up Gabba with a stellar century on Day 2 of the Brisbane Test