Aussies on top despite Bumrah's fifer; score 405/7 at stumps on Day 2

Day 2 of the Gabba Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy saw Australia take firm control as centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith propelled them to a commanding position at 405/7 at stumps. Despite Jasprit Bumrah's second five-wicket haul of the series, India struggled to contain Australia’s batting brilliance, evoking memories of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2023.

Rain disruptions on Day 1 meant both teams were eager to make a mark on the second day. India struck early with Bumrah dismissing Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, leaving Australia reeling at 38/2. The pacer continued his dominance, claiming Khawaja for the third time in the series. However, a shaky partnership between Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings briefly before Labuschagne's lapse in concentration handed India another breakthrough.

Enter Travis Head, whose aggressive stroke play left Indian bowlers clueless. Together with Smith, the duo compiled a massive 241-run stand, dismantling India’s momentum. Head's 152 off 179 balls, laced with 21 boundaries, was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. Smith, though initially unconvincing, found his rhythm and brought up his 33rd Test century.

Bumrah’s second spell provided India a glimmer of hope as he dismissed Smith, Head, and Mitchell Marsh in quick succession. Yet, Alex Carey (45*) and Pat Cummins (20) added valuable runs before the skipper fell to Mohammed Siraj. Carey and Mitchell Starc (7*) ensured Australia ended the day on top.

For Indian fans, the day bore an uncanny resemblance to the 2023 WTC Final, where Head and Smith dismantled India's bowling after early wickets, guiding Australia to a dominant first-innings total. Once again, the same duo appears to have set the tone for another Australian victory.

Captain Rohit Sharma’s tactics came under fire for allowing Head to dominate and letting Smith find form. Questionable field placements and conservative bowling strategies enabled the Australian batters to flourish. Despite Bumrah's brilliance, India’s bowling lacked support from the other end, with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj unable to make significant breakthroughs.

India's overreliance on Bumrah is becoming increasingly evident. Ravi Shastri echoed the concerns, likening this team to the "Sachin Tendulkar and ten others" era of Indian cricket. With 17 wickets in 5 innings at an average under 13, Bumrah has shouldered an immense workload. However, he needs urgent support if India is to turn the tide in this series.