India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah continued his dominance over the Australian openers with two quick strikes, while Nitish Reddy joined the action to leave the visitors at 104/3 at lunch on Day 2 of the third Test at Brisbane on Sunday (December 15).
Despite the pressure from the Indian pacers, Australia managed to score 76 runs in the session. Following a rain-affected Day 1, play began half an hour earlier than scheduled, and it didn’t take long for Bumrah to make an impact, continuing his strong form in the series.
Resuming at 28/0, Australia lost Usman Khawaja (21 off 54) early on, caught behind off Bumrah’s delivery that straightened slightly to take a faint edge. This was the third time Bumrah had dismissed the left-handed opener in the series. In the very next over, Bumrah struck again, sending Nathan McSweeney (9 off 49) back to the pavilion, with a thick outside edge to Virat Kohli at second slip – marking the fourth time in three Tests that Bumrah had removed McSweeney.
Despite the early breakthroughs, Australia managed to keep the scoreboard ticking as Steve Smith (25*) and Marnus Labuschagne (12*) looked to stabilize the innings. Smith, who had made a stance change for the third consecutive game, was repeatedly tested by the Indian pacers, who focused on targeting his stumps.
Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj also posed a few challenges but couldn’t break the partnership. It was Reddy who eventually made the breakthrough, getting Labuschagne to drive off a full delivery, only for Kohli to pouch a sharp catch at second slip, leaving Australia at 75/3.
Two overs later, India was hit by an injury scare when Siraj walked off the field after feeling discomfort in his left leg. He was seen holding his knee but returned to the field shortly after, much to India’s relief.