NEW DELHI: The second day of the third Test between India and Australia at The Gabba unfolded in favour of the hosts as they asserted dominance with both bat and strategy, leaving India under immense pressure.
On Sunday, the Aussies tormented India bowlers from all directions, Australia closed at an imposing 405/7 at stumps, consolidating their hold after rain had halted much of the action on Day 1.
India’s call to bowl first falls flat
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss was a calculated gamble by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. On paper, bowling first appeared reasonable, considering the overcast conditions and the tendency of Gabba pitches to offer early assistance.
However, the decision backfired spectacularly as the Indian attack failed to utilise the conditions. At The Gabba, toss-winning teams have opted to bat first in 42 out of 67 matches, compared to 25 matches where they chose to field.
Teams batting first have won 17 and lost 15 games, indicating a slight edge. However, those opting to bowl first have also enjoyed a competitive record, securing 11 wins against 9 losses.
With Australia looking to give India a score close to 450 runs to chase, it would not be too wrong to say that things have not gone for skipper Rohit Sharma as initially anticipated. And that is why, he has faced massive backlash by fans and experts. But is he the only one to be blamed?
Who could replace Rohit Sharma as Team India’s captain in Tests?
Indian bowling underwhelms after yet another Bumrah show
Jasprit Bumrah was the lone bright spot in India’s bowling lineup, claiming a fifer for 72 runs. Bumrah accounted for the critical dismissals of Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh, combining pace, precision, and persistence. However, once again, he lacked adequate support from the other end.
Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Nitish Reddy were guilty of erratic lengths, often bowling too short or straying down the leg side.
Ravindra Jadeja, tasked with controlling the flow of runs in the middle overs, struggled with consistency, conceding 76 runs in his 16 overs without picking a wicket.
The lack of a clear plan against Smith and Head was glaring, with Head particularly thriving on deliveries pitched short or on the pads.
Travis Head, Steve Smith tear into Indian bowlers
From the Australian part of the play, the day belonged to Head and Smith, whose 241-run partnership left India scrambling for answers.
Smith displayed his trademark composure, constructing a patient 101 off 190 balls, while Head counterattacked brilliantly to hammer a spectacular 152 from just 160 balls.
Head’s innings, studded with 16 fours and six sixes, was a masterclass in exploiting a wayward bowling attack. While Smith’s innings was built on meticulous technique, Head’s unorthodox yet effective approach stood as a testament to his confidence in his natural strengths.
The duo took charge after early wickets fell at 75/3. Smith anchored the innings, and Head’s aggressive mindset dismantled any plans India attempted to execute. Despite brief moments of promise, India’s bowlers repeatedly failed to sustain pressure, allowing Australia to race ahead.
Australia’s innings ended the day with Alex Carey unbeaten on 45 off 47. Mitchell Starc provided steady support with seven runs off seven balls. The duo will look to pile on more runs early on Day 3, stretching Australia’s dominance and further complicating India’s already uphill battle.
The onus is on Indian top-order now
India’s response with the bat will define this Test match, but recent history does not inspire confidence. The Indian top order has failed to deliver in critical moments in the last five Tests, and this match demands a drastic turnaround.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s performance as an opener holds significant promise, but the choice of his partner—whether it will be KL Rahul or Rohit Sharma—remains key. Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli must shoulder responsibility in the middle order, with the latter under pressure to rediscover his best form.
With Australia in a commanding position, the pressure is firmly on India’s batters to pull off something extraordinary. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon will test the visitors on a Gabba track that continues to play true.
Day 3 promises intense cricket as India fights to keep the series alive, but Australia hold all the aces after a near-perfect second day. Can India script a turnaround, or will Australia tighten their grip on the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy? Not to forget, weather could be a detriment to all such plans.