Key Highlights:
- Australia Dominates Day 2: Centuries by Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101) propel Australia to 405/7.
- Exceptional Partnership: The duo stitched a monumental 241-run stand for the fourth wicket, putting India on the back foot.
- Jasprit Bumrah Shines: Despite Australia’s dominance, Bumrah bagged a stellar five-wicket haul, ending with figures of 5/72 in 25 overs.
- Alex Carey Holds Fort: Carey remains unbeaten on 45, while Mitchell Starc accompanies him on 7 runs.
- Challenging Day Ahead for India: With Australia setting a daunting first-innings total, India faces an uphill battle on a tricky pitch.
New Delhi: Australia ended Day 2 of the third Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on a commanding note, posting an imposing total of 405/7 at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. The day belonged to Travis Head and Steve Smith, who dismantled India’s bowling attack with grit and flair, scoring centuries and forming a game-changing partnership.
Head and Smith Steal the Show
After resuming the day at 118/3, Travis Head and Steve Smith anchored Australia’s innings brilliantly.
- Travis Head: The flamboyant left-hander smashed a scintillating 152 off 198 balls, striking 17 fours and 3 sixes. His ability to counter both spin and pace made him the star of the day.
- Steve Smith: The veteran batter displayed his trademark resilience, crafting a steady 101 off 215 balls. His knock included 11 boundaries and showcased his mastery of Test cricket.
- 241-Run Stand: The Head-Smith duo built an incredible fourth-wicket partnership, dominating India’s bowling attack and putting Australia in a strong position.
Bumrah’s Brilliance Amid Australia’s Onslaught
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for the hosts, keeping India in the contest with his exceptional spell.
- Bumrah dismissed key players, including Smith and Head, to halt Australia’s momentum.
- His figures of 5/72 in 25 overs marked his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Carey and Starc Steady Australia Late in the Day
After Bumrah’s fiery spell broke the partnership, Alex Carey took charge, playing an unbeaten knock of 45 runs to guide Australia past the 400-run mark. Carey was joined by tailender Mitchell Starc, who remains not out on 7.
Pitch Conditions and India’s Challenge Ahead
The pitch in Ahmedabad has offered a mix of assistance for both batsmen and bowlers. However, as the match progresses, the surface is expected to deteriorate, making batting increasingly difficult.
- With a daunting 405 on the board, India’s batters face a stiff challenge.
- Australia’s bowling arsenal, led by Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, will test India’s resolve on Day 3.
Day 3 Preview: A Crucial Test for India
Day 3 Action Plan:
- India will need to build partnerships and counter Australia’s bowlers to stay in the match.
- The match begins at 5:20 AM IST, with 98 overs scheduled for play.
Teams for the Third Test
India’s Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
Australia’s Playing XI:
Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Australia’s dominant batting performance, led by centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith, has put them in the driver’s seat. With a formidable total on the board, the pressure is now on India’s batting lineup to deliver a strong response on Day 3. Will India rise to the challenge, or will Australia tighten their grip on the match? Stay tuned for an exciting day of Test cricket.
