The Gabba witnessed another day of Australian dominance as the hosts, led by impressive batting performances from Travis Head and Steve Smith, setup a considerable first-innings total against India. By the end of day two, Australia had scored 405 runs for the loss of seven wickets, demonstrating their strength and control over the game.
On this pivotal day, Australia capitalized on their solid start, showcasing resilience after battling to regain momentum following early wickets. Travis Head emerged as the standout performer, scoring 152 runs off just 160 balls before being dismissed by India's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed five wickets during the day. Head's explosive batting was complemented by Steve Smith, who contributed significantly with 101 runs, marking his return to form after struggling in prior matches.
Smith's 33rd Test century came with some fanfare, as it was his first century since April 2022. He effectively anchored the innings along with Head, forging a strong fourth-wicket partnership of 241 runs, resulting in Australia setting the stage for what many expect to be a high-scoring contest.
"I always enjoyed batting with Steve. When he bats well, I always go unnoticed," Head said after the day’s play. His appreciation for Smith’s calming influence during pressure situations reflected the growing synergy between the two players on the field. Head also cited the strong start provided by the top order along with his own proactive approach against spinners like Ravindra Jadeja.
Australia’s innings began with some early woes, as they lost three wickets for just 75 runs. Nevertheless, with Head and Smith at the crease, the tide turned dramatically. The pair’s aggressive strategy and steady accumulation of runs was seen through the middle overs, where they frequently rotated the strike and laid down some hefty boundaries, frustrating the Indian bowlers.
Bumrah was the lone standout for India, returning figures of 5 for 72 from 25 overs. Despite this impressive haul, Bumrah's efforts were undermined by his teammates, who struggled to contain the run flow. "He bowled wicket-taking balls and was always tough facing up against him," Head observed, underscoring the pressure Bumrah faced without ample support.
The Indian bowling attack, particularly against the new ball, appeared overextended and fatigued as the day progressed. The final session saw Australia gain significant momentum, hammering 171 runs for the loss of four wickets—pointing to India's struggle to regain any foothold.
Among the notable moments, the embodiment of the Australian batting onslaught came as they sailed past the 400-run mark for the first time against India at the Gabba since 2015. This achievement intensified the pressure on the visitors, who were met with loud cheers from the packed stands—notably the record attendance of 34,227 for the day.
"With Australia going past the 400-run mark, it is going to be a tough climb for India from here," reported onlookers as the satisfaction of the home crowd grew palpable.
India did experience some success late on, with Mohammed Siraj claiming the wicket of Australian captain Pat Cummins, ending his score on 20, and the sharp catch taken by Rishabh Pant was seen as some reprieve for the beleaguered visitors.
With the new ball available, the dynamics shifted as Bumrah ignited frustrations for Australia with back-to-back wickets as they lost three wickets for just 11 runs, causing fans to sit on the edge of their seats. Despite these minor breakthroughs, the day's play firmly belonged to Australia.
Australia's strong position going forward puts immense pressure on India, who will need to mount significant resistance to defend the onslaught and prevent Australia from going on to declare their innings with ample runs to defend. Rain forecasted for the remaining days looms large, with many wondering how it will affect the outcome of the match.
Head and Smith's efforts have not only made them central characters within the match but also pivotal for Australia’s chances of securing victory. Analysts and commentators will keep their eyes peeled on how the pair, alongside the rest of the batting line-up, can capitalize on this commanding position and build what could be the necessary foundation for victory.
With competitive performances expected from the Indian team, all eyes will be on how they will adapt to reclaim some momentum. The coming days are bound to be filled with high-pressure cricket as rain clouds hover over the Gabba, adding to the thrilling uncertainty of this Test match.
How the Australian team proceeds will define the final outcome, casting doubts on whether India can rise to the occasion or if Australia will seize this historic day two advantage to forge onwards to glory.
