WATCH: Steve Smith’s much-awaited comeback ton ends with a nick to first slip

WATCH: Steve Smith’s much-awaited comeback ton ends with a nick to first slip (Photo by Matt Roberts – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

Steve Smith was subjected to immense criticism leading to the third Test against India at Gabba. The star batter was struggling with form and moved back to number four in the India series but yet, failed to get going in Perth and Adelaide. However, in Gabba, he rose to the occasion and hit his first Test century after 536 days. He looked at his natural best, scoring 101 runs off 190 deliveries before nicking one to Rohit Sharma, who was stationed at the first slip.

Smith looked in well control before Jasprit Bumrah got the better of him in the 83rd over of the game. The Indian pacer bowled fuller and pitched outside off, which might have motivated Smith to play a drive but he hesitated and played with hard hands, resulting in a thick edge to Rohit. The crowd at Gabba gave him a standing ovation as Smith raised his bat before walking back to the dressing room.

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Big Breaking 🚨

Bumrah takes the wicket of Steve Smith with the help of Rohit Sharma.❣️

But Tread Head became Headache for INDIA 🔥 #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/duodoKhhRD

— Preeti Yadav (@PreetiYadav_16) December 15, 2024

Travis Head, on the other hand, completed 150 runs in the first innings. Indian bowlers once again had a tough day bowling to the cricketer as the Australia international looked flawless in the middle. He batted aggressively and Indian bowlers also gave him plenty of room as well for Head to dominate in the middle.

Bumrah clinch five-wicket haul

Bumrah has been the only bowler to have troubled the Australian batters. He picked up the wickets of Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh and finally Travis Head, who departed for 152 runs. The flamboyant Australia international looked flawless during his spell with the bat but Bumrah got the better of him in the 87th over of the game after Head nicked one to Rishabh Pant. With that, he completed another five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

The other pacers, notably Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep will have to support Bumrah better in the middle. Australia are in control of the game and if India fail to clear the tail early, they will be under tremendous pressure in the next innings.

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