Australia lays the foundation for WTC final entry – Smith and Head dominate India

In an impressive display of their prowess, Australia's Travis Head and Steve Smith struck magnificently on Sunday in the third Test match at the Gabba Stadium. With a remarkable partnership of 241 runs, they evoked memories among the Indian players of the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) last year. Back then, Head and Smith laid the foundation for Australia's first WTC title win with 285 runs in the first innings at the Oval. Head had shone with 163 runs from 174 balls, while Smith impressed with a patient knock of 121 runs from 268 balls. On Sunday, the two top athletes repeated their masterful performance: Smith scored 101 runs from 190 balls, while Head played almost at a run-a-ball pace with 152 runs. Despite both players being successfully dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah after the tea break, they had already nullified India's promising start with three wickets in the morning. Smith, who recently experienced a dry spell without a century, expressed delight over fortune favoring him this time. "There was a bit of luck involved getting it early. And then the partnership with Head – he makes it so easy while I just do my thing." Australia ended the second day of the Test at 405 for seven, putting them significantly ahead after a rain-affected start of only 28 runs on the first day. A victory at the Gabba would almost secure their path to the WTC final and significantly dampen India's hopes of making it through. Head, celebrating his ninth Test century and once again challenging the Indian team as a personal nemesis, showed his satisfaction with his performance. He praised Bumrah as "one of the greats," yet had to work hard to tackle the challenging bowler.