WATCH: Steve Smith’s much-awaited return ton ends with a nick to 1st slip

A great deal of criticism was directed at Steve Smith before the third Test match against India at Gabba. Due to his poor record, the top batter dropped back to number four in the India series but was unable to find success in Perth or Adelaide. But he stepped up to the plate in Gabba, hitting his first Test century after 536 days. Prior to nicking one to Rohit Sharma, who was positioned at the first slip, he scored 101 runs off 190 deliveries, displaying his most natural form.

Steve Smith appeared to be in good control until the 83rd over of the match, when Jasprit Bumrah defeated him.

Smith may have been inspired to take a drive by the Indian pacer’s fuller bowling and outside-off pitch, but he hesitated and played with strong hands, giving Rohit a thick edge. Before returning to the locker room, Smith hoisted his bat and received a standing ovation from the Gabba crowd.

Watch the video below: 

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

In contrast, Travis Head went for 150 runs in the first inning. In the middle, the Australia international looked perfect, as Indian bowlers once again had a difficult time bowling to the player. He batted with aggression, and the Indian bowlers allowed him plenty of space to dominate the middle.

Five wickets are secured by Jasprit Bumrah.

Only one bowler, Bumrah, has caused problems for the Australian hitters. After Travis Head left for 152 runs, he took out Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, and finally Travis Head. After Head nicked one to Rishabh Pant, the flamboyant Australia international looked perfect during his batting session, but Bumrah defeated him in the 87th over of the match. In Test cricket, he then finished with five wickets once again.

Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, two of the other pacers, will need to provide Bumrah with stronger middle-field support. The game is in Australia’s hands, and India will face extreme pressure in the following innings if they are unable to clean the tail quickly.