Smith-Head nullify early advantage

The duo took their time to settle the innings, playing smart cricket as India bowlers toiled uselessly. Neither fast bowling nor spin was effective against the pair. Jasprit Bumrah’s early dominance fizzled out and none of the other bowlers could create any openings. Both batters raced to their respective fifties.

Just before the end of the second session, Head brought up his ninth Test century, his second successive in the ongoing series. And Smith, who was content to play second fiddle to Head at the beginning came into his own and registered his 33rd Test ton in the third session.

It was the Australian talisman’s 10th hundred against India in the longest format, tying him alongside Joe Root for most Test centuries against them.

The massive 241-run stand was finally broken by Bumrah not long after the second new ball was taken. It was Bumrah’s third wicket of match, a sharp catch at first slip by India captain Rohit Sharma, dimissing Smith for 101.