India vs Australia Highlights, 3rd Test Day 2 Border Gavaskar Trophy: Head, Smith take Australia to 405/7 at stumps; fifer for Bumrah

Travis Head’s scintillating 152 and Steve Smith’s gritty 101 propelled Australia to a commanding 405/7 at stumps on the second day of the third Test against India on Sunday. The duo stitched a mammoth 241-run fourth-wicket partnership, with Head dominating India’s bowlers and Smith grinding his way to a patient century.

Head, following his 140 in the previous Test, smashed 152 off 160 balls, showcasing his aggression with 18 boundaries. Smith, playing a more measured innings, reached his 33rd Test century off 190 balls, a vital knock for the team under pressure.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah stood tall with an impressive 5/72, his 12th five-wicket haul in Tests. However, he lacked support from the other bowlers. Akash Deep (0/78) bowled well but remained unlucky, while Mohammed Siraj (1/97) struggled with discomfort in his leg. Ravindra Jadeja (0/76) was ineffective on a pitch offering little assistance to spinners.

Australia’s middle-order collapse late in the day brought India some respite, but the hosts remain firmly in control, thanks to Head and Smith’s heroics.