Australia reached 234-3 at tea on the second day of the third Test against India, thanks to an outstanding century from Travis Head and a half-century from Steve Smith. Head’s remarkable 103 not out and Smith’s 65* put Australia firmly in control after a slow start, particularly after Saturday’s rain-affected first day.
H2: The Road to Australia’s Solid Position
After losing 13.2 overs due to rain on Saturday, the Australian batsmen took full advantage of the conditions on Sunday. Despite a few early setbacks, Head and Smith built a superb partnership, adding 159 runs together. The day began with Australia resuming at 28-0, but the visitors were immediately put under pressure by India’s disciplined bowlers.
H3: Head’s Explosive Performance
Travis Head’s scintillating century was the highlight of the day. Having started slowly, Head grew in confidence, playing some exquisite strokes that demonstrated his ability to dominate the Indian bowlers. His 103 not out came off 115 balls, including 13 boundaries. Head’s aggressive approach contrasted with the more cautious innings played by his teammates. He capitalized on any loose deliveries, particularly targeting Ravindra Jadeja, who struggled to make an impact in his 9-over spell.
H3: Smith’s Resilient Half-Century
While Head was the more aggressive of the two, Steve Smith also played an important knock. Smith, who had been out of form leading into this match, was patient at the crease. After struggling early in his innings, Smith found his rhythm and reached his half-century, his first since a knock of 91* against the West Indies in January. He remained unbeaten on 65 at tea, having faced 138 balls.
H2: Early Setbacks for Australia
Australia’s morning session started on a shaky note as they lost three quick wickets, including Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, and Marnus Labuschagne. Khawaja, who has been struggling with the bat, faced a tough challenge against Jasprit Bumrah. He was dismissed for just 21 when Bumrah found the faintest of edges, sending the ball through to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
H3: Khawaja’s Struggles Continue
Usman Khawaja has faced an uphill battle in the Test series, and his lack of form persisted in the early stages of this match. Despite showing signs of resilience, he couldn’t shake off the pressure exerted by Bumrah and was dismissed cheaply again. Khawaja’s failure to capitalize on his overnight score of 19 was disappointing, especially considering his experience at the top of the order.
H3: McSweeney’s Brief Stay at the Crease
Nathan McSweeney, making his debut for Australia, could not contribute much to the team’s score. After a brief and cautious innings, McSweeney was dismissed for just 9, edging a simple catch to Virat Kohli at second slip off the bowling of Bumrah. His early dismissal highlighted the pressure Indian bowlers applied in the morning session.
H2: Labuschagne’s Uncharacteristic Dismissal
Marnus Labuschagne, known for his consistency, was another Australian batsman who failed to find his rhythm. Labuschagne, who had faced 55 balls for his 12, looked uneasy against India’s bowlers. He fell to an expansive drive off Nitish Kumar Reddy, sending a thick edge to Virat Kohli at second slip. This dismissal brought another setback for Australia, and at 31-3, the team was under pressure to rebuild.
H3: Smith and Head Build Australia’s Recovery
Despite the early setbacks, Smith and Head began rebuilding the Australian innings with calm heads. While Smith played a steady, watchful knock, Head played with more aggression, punishing any loose deliveries that came his way. The pair steadily added runs to the total, with Head’s powerful strokeplay dominating the session.
H3: India’s Persistent Attack Faces Setbacks
India’s bowlers began the day with promise but soon ran into trouble, particularly against Head, who accelerated his innings. While Bumrah and Reddy kept the pressure on, they could not break the Head-Smith partnership. Jadeja’s poor performance further added to India’s frustrations, as his 9-over spell yielded no wickets and 35 runs.
H2: Australia’s Strong Position at Tea
At tea, Australia had firmly established themselves at 234-3, with Head and Smith still at the crease. This strong position was a testament to the resilience of the two players, who handled India’s varied attack with skill. Their partnership of 159 runs was crucial in stabilizing the innings after the early setbacks, and they will be looking to continue their dominance in the final session of the day.
H3: Looking Ahead to the Rest of the Test
With Head and Smith looking set, Australia will be hoping to build on their current position. The team will be hoping that the middle-order can continue to apply pressure to India and extend their total. Meanwhile, India will need to regroup and find ways to break this stubborn partnership if they are to remain in the contest.
FAQs
Q1: How did Travis Head perform in the third Test against India? Travis Head scored a brilliant 103 not out, playing aggressively to dominate India’s bowling attack. He hit 13 fours during his innings of 115 balls.
Q2: What was Steve Smith’s contribution in the third Test? Steve Smith played a patient knock, finishing the day unbeaten on 65, his first half-century since January 2024.
Q3: Who were the key bowlers for India in the third Test? Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy were the key bowlers for India, with Bumrah taking two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja struggled with the ball.
Q4: What were the early setbacks for Australia in the third Test? Australia lost the wickets of Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, and Marnus Labuschagne early on the second day, leaving the team at 31-3 before Head and Smith rebuilt the innings.
Q5: How did Australia’s batting position improve during the second day? Australia reached 234-3 by tea on the second day, with a 159-run partnership between Travis Head and Steve Smith providing a strong foundation for the team.
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