Brisbane Test: Smith, Head Centuries Make Australia Cross 400-Run Mark (Day 2, Stumps)

December 15, 2024: At the end of Day 2 of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at The Gabba, Brisbane, Australia managed to cross the 400-run mark, finishing with 405/7. Despite a brilliant five-wicket haul from Jasprit Bumrah, Steve Smith and Travis Head’s centuries were the highlight of the day as Australia’s dominance continued in the ongoing Test.

Australia resumed the final session at 234/3, with Steve Smith (65*) and Travis Head (103*) in full flow. The pair continued to build on their solid foundation from the previous session, putting the Indian bowlers under pressure with some well-timed boundaries, particularly against Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja.

The score progressed quickly, with Australia moving to 250 in 72 overs and then surpassing 300 in 80.1 overs. The partnership between Smith and Head blossomed, and they brought up a rapid 200-run stand off 252 balls, their second such partnership against India following their stand in the ICC World Test Championship final earlier this year.

Smith, who had been struggling for runs in recent times, finally found his rhythm. His knock was a blend of patience and class, combining technical prowess with well-timed strokes. His 33rd Test century came off 185 balls, including 12 boundaries. It was a much-needed return to form for the Australian stalwart, as this century marked his first in 25 innings, the longest gap he has experienced since his debut century.

However, Smith’s innings was cut short just three balls after his century. He was caught behind for 101 off Bumrah, breaking the formidable 241-run partnership. Australia, by then, had reached 316/4 in 83 overs.

Jasprit Bumrah, despite not having much support from the other bowlers, continued to be India’s lone warrior. After dismissing Smith, he struck again in the 87th over, removing both Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head in quick succession. Bumrah got Marsh caught behind off Virat Kohli’s slip catch for just 5 runs, and then Head, who had been in blistering form, was dismissed for 152 runs (160 balls) with another catch behind by Rishabh Pant.

The loss of Head was a big blow to Australia, as the left-hander’s attacking style had been a key feature of their day. His 152, which came off 160 balls and included 18 fours, was a knock of pure aggression and class, marked by superb strike rotation as well as boundaries.

Australia was now 327/6 in 87 overs, and the Indian bowlers were looking to build on the momentum.

Alex Carey and Pat Cummins then combined for a valuable 58-run partnership, frustrating India as Australia edged closer to the 400-run mark. The breakthrough finally came when Mohammed Siraj dismissed Cummins for 20, caught behind by Pant, leaving Australia at 385/7 in 97.5 overs.

Carey, though, remained solid and took Australia beyond the 400-run mark, finishing the day unbeaten on 45*. With Mitchell Starc (7*) at the other end, the pair ensured Australia went to stumps without any further wickets falling.

At 405/7, Australia is in a commanding position going into Day 3. While Smith and Head’s centuries were the bedrock of Australia’s innings, Bumrah’s five-wicket haul will give India hope. However, with Carey and Starc still at the crease and the pitch flattening, Australia will look to build on their score and push for a dominant total. India, on the other hand, will need early breakthroughs on Day 3 to stay in the contest.