Day two of the third Test between Australia and India was defined by two contrasting yet extraordinary centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head, which helped Australia gain the upper hand.
Smith’s innings was a measured effort, requiring patience and grit, as he compiled 101 runs off 190 balls.
In contrast, Head was aggressive from the outset, blazing his way to 152 off just 160 deliveries, showcasing his exceptional form. Though their approaches differed, both knocks were instrumental in setting up a formidable first-innings total for Australia.
After the day’s play, Smith spoke about his century and the partnership with Head, praising his teammate’s ability to put bowlers under pressure. “I had the best seat in the house to watch Travis bat. He’s been consistently outstanding, making it tough for bowlers to set fields against him. His batting is simply unbelievable,” Smith said.
Smith also shared their simple yet effective communication during their partnership. “We don’t say much out there. He just says, ‘do your thing,’ and I say the same. It’s great to watch him in action—he’s a special player right now,” he added.
Reflecting on his own century, Smith admitted it felt good to finally reach three figures after a difficult stretch. He acknowledged the challenges he faced in recent matches but credited perseverance and a bit of luck for the milestone.
“It’s been a while since I scored a hundred. The last few games have been tough—I’ve faced some good balls and had unlucky dismissals. Today, I trusted myself, got some early luck, and it worked out,” Smith shared.
Smith explained the adjustments he made to tackle the Gabba’s bouncy surface, including altering his stance and positioning. “I’ve been tweaking my setup for the past 15 years, so it’s nothing new. On this track, I stood outside the crease and kept my left leg open. Luck played its part today—I survived early scares and didn’t nick any despite being beaten a few times,” he explained.
Smith’s century was his first in 26 Test innings and marked his 33rd overall. The Australian vice-captain acknowledged the importance of patience and trusting his game, even during tough spells. “The game turns around. Last time, I was unlucky down the leg side. Today, fortune was on my side,” he said.
While Head’s magnificent form allowed him to score runs effortlessly, Smith had to grind it out, overcoming testing spells from the Indian bowlers. Despite being beaten multiple times, Smith showcased resilience to notch up a much-needed century, demonstrating why he remains one of the best in the game.