Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Travis Head continued to torment India while Steve Smith returned to form as the Australian duo served a flashback of the World Test Championship 2023 final to India on Day 2 of the Brisbane Test. Jasprit Bumrah was India’s only bright spot on a dull day on the field.
Travis Head and Steve Smith notched up their respective centuries on Day 2 of the Gabba Test as the Australia team inquired about the memories from the June 2023 World Test Championship Final that took place at The Oval. He scored 152 and sealed his 33rd Test century with 101, and Australia ended day two with a total of 405 runs for 7 wickets.
After Day 1 of the match was completely marred by rain and only saw 13.2 overs being bowled, both teams were eager for a strong start on Sunday at the Gabba. And India got off the blocks early, thanks to the ever-dependable Jasprit Bumrah.
The Indian pacer ensured Usman Khawaja got a fine edge to Rishabh Pant in the 17th over. Nathan McSweeney also didn’t last long as the India pacer returned to dismiss him for the 4th time in the series as Australia was left reeling at 38 for 2. Khawaja, on the other hand, has gotten out 3 times to Bumrah already.
Marnus Labuschagne and Smith would come in to steady the innings, but both men looked shaky in the middle. Labuschagne, who was toiling in his 12 off 55 balls, had a fiery moment with Mohammed Siraj when the Indian pacer carried out a bail switch right in front of the Aussie batter. This appeared to cost Labuschagne some attention, and he made it 75 for 3 as Australia was in a spot of bother.
And just when India thought they were in the contest, another Head masterclass knocked the stuffing out of them. The southpaw carried on from where he left off in Adelaide and showed full confidence as he started to toy with the Indian bowling. Smith did have a couple of close calls at the other end and looked unconvincing, but the duo got Australia to lunch safely. The second session had both men assert themselves, with Head as the leader.
