India vs Australia 3rd Test: Smith, Head build crucial partnership as India eyes breakthrough

Australia’s Travis Head plays a shot during play on day two of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, Dec.15, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AP

Australia’s top-order batsman Steve Smith and in-form Travis Head battled through the morning session as they reached 158 runs in 56 overs on the second day of third Test at Gabba on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

Travis Head reaches his thirs consecutive 50 runs as Australia cruised through the second session post-lunch.

Jasprit Bumrah managed to get an early breakthrough for the side as the play resumed on the second day with the crucial wicket of opener Usman Khawaja.

Nathan McSweeney edged the bowl towards slip, Virat Kohli made a comfortable catch, and Bumrah registered his second wicket of the test match.

Labuschagne and Smith set about settling the innings, but with both players well below their best heading into the Test, the scoring rate was slow against the disciplined Indian attack.

Labuschagne faced 55 balls on his way to making 12 when he uncharacteristically went for an expansive drive off Nitish Kumar Reddy, only to get a thick edge to Kohli, who took a sharp catch at second slip.

(With inputs from The Hindu’s K.C. Vijaya Kumar from the stadium)