Head, Smith tons power Aus

Australia reached a command 405/7 at stumps courtesy the duo who tormented the Indians

Travis Head put an insipid Indian bowling attack to sword for his second successive hundred while veteran Steve Smith wore the opposition down with a statement century to put Australia in a favourable position on day two of the third Test here on Sunday.

Australia reached a commanding 405 for 7 at stumps courtesy, a 241-run stand between Head (152 off 160) and Smith (101 off 190) for the fourth wicket after the visitors put them in a spot of bother at 75 for three in the morning.

The Indian bowlers, who impressed in the first session, lost their way to allow Head and Co to dominate the proceedings. Jasprit Bumrah (5/72), who came up with welcome wickets both in the morning and towards the end of play, was once again the standout bowler for the visitors. It was his second five-wicket haul of the series and the overall tally stands at 17.

Leaving Bumrah's brilliance aside, India's on-field tactics left a lot to be desired as Head played yet another game-changing knock.