The much-anticipated third Test match between India and Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane, has been marked not just by runs but also by some remarkable individual performances, particularly by India's Akash Deep and Australia's batting duo of Pat Cummins and Alex Carey. The second day of the Test, held on December 15, 2024, was full of memorable moments, including one of the rare instances where four runs were scored purely through running, rather than reaching the boundary.
On the 95th over of Australia’s innings, Cummins played a brilliant drive through extra cover from the third ball bowled by Nitish Reddy. Akash Deep responded quickly, aiming to stop the boundary. His effort was commendable as he chased down the ball and dove to prevent it from reaching the rope. Yet, just as Deep managed to get the ball back onto the field, Cummins and Carey completed four runs. This incident had fans at The Gabba buzzing, displaying both the skill of Deep as well as the sharpness of the Australian batsmen.
While Akash Deep was celebrated for his relentless chase, it was Travis Head and Steve Smith who truly dominated the day. Australia began with three quick wickets, struggling at 75 for 3, but their pair managed to build solid ground for the hosts. They stitched together a remarkable partnership of 241 runs for the fourth wicket, demonstrating incredible resilience. Smith, returning to form after a significant century drought, scored 101 runs, and Head stood out with a blistering 152 runs—significant contributions toward Australia reaching 405 for 7 by stumps, myopically dominating the match.
Steve Smith's assessment of Akash Deep’s bowling was particularly praise-worthy. Despite Deep failing to take any wickets, Smith noted, "I thought Akash bowled really nicely, particularly the first spell. He was getting the ball to move with pretty significant movement. He bowled a really good length. He's a nice bowler." His recognition of Deep’s effort indicates appreciation for the challenges posed by the young Indian bowler. Though not featured on the wickets column on this day, Deep seemingly made enough of an impression to earn respect from one of the premier batsmen.
Smith's own performance was pivotal for Australia. He shared how he navigated his challenges during his innings at the Gabba. With his monumental century, which featured 12 boundaries, Smith reflected on how he readjusted his batting technique to counter the fierce spells bowled by Deep and Jasprit Bumrah, who took 5 wickets for 72 runs. Smith stated, "It's nothing new to me. I try and adapt and figure the best way to play for each surface." This adaptability and the ability to absorb pressure were on full display during his innings.
Meanwhile, Travis Head also reflected on his innings filled with aggression and precision, marking it as back-to-back centuries against the Indian bowling attack. He showcased remarkable control through his innings, pushing past the Indian bowlers and taking advantage of every opportunity presented. Analyzing his own or Smith’s undertaking, Head acknowledged the pressure they both conquered amid one of the fiercest bowling efforts characterized by Bumrah's attacking form. The duo's partnership, particularly after the early jolts, demonstrated the sound strategy and execution fundamental to Test cricket.
India's bowling unit faced one of its toughest challenges during this innings. Deep's bowling, combined with Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performance, showcased the quality of India’s pace attack. Unfortunately, beyond accepting Deep’s favorable comparisons, noted former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar also featured comments on India's current on-field plans, questioning their adequacy as they faced another batting onslaught.
Overall, the second day of the Test revealed much about both teams, primarily Akash Deep's potential as he continues to develop as a bowler. His quick approach to stoppage, where he also managed to trouble the opening Australian batsman, proved significant, even as runs continued to flow for the opposition.
Indeed, as the day concluded, with Australia at 405/7, it became clear to all watching how the blend of youthful ambition - embodied by players like Akash Deep - and seasoned performance signified both hope and challenge for India against their storied rivals.
The third Test continues as spectators remain excited about whether India can bounce back from this strong Australian performance, and also how Akash Deep will respond following his day's efforts.