BRISBANE: In-form Travis Head and experienced batsman Steve Smith scored centuries to put Australia in a commanding position on day two of the third Test against India here at the Brisbane Cricket Ground on Sunday.
The home team resumed the first innings from 28/0 through Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja.
The opening pair, however, failed to extend their overnight partnership as Khawaja (21) fell prey to Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah in just the third over of the day.
The right pacer scored again in the next over to dismiss McSweeney (nine) and reduce the home team to 38/2.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith then shared a brief 37-run partnership for the third wicket, which culminated in the former’s dismissal of Nitish Kumar Reddy after scoring a 55-ball 12.
With Australia reeling at 75/3, Head joined hands with Smith and together they staged a stunning comeback.
The duo dominated the Indian bowling attack and registered a marathon partnership of 241 runs, which saw both batsmen scoring centuries.
The match-defining partnership eventually concluded Bumrah’s dismissal of Smith after scoring a ton to end the drought.
“It felt good to come in, feel good,” said Smith, who scored 101 off 190 deliveries with the help of 12 boundaries.
“I’ve lost for a while now, so it’s good to get triple figures again.”
Meanwhile, Head was involved in brief partnerships with Mitchell Marsh (five) and Alex Carey before India ace Bumrah brought the curtains down on his stellar knock.
The left-handed batsman remained Australia’s top scorer with 152 off 160 deliveries with the help of 18 fours.
His dismissal reduced Australia to 327/6 but a sensible 58-run partnership between captain Pat Cummins (20) and Carey kept the home team afloat.
The wicketkeeper batsman was unbeaten at 45 when the stumps were announced. He will resume Australia’s first innings on day three with Mitchell Starc, who scored seven run-a-ball not out.
Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers thanks to his five-wicket haul, while Reddy and Mohammed Siraj contributed one wicket each.
