Smith lauds Head's 'beautiful' batting display against India

Australia captain Steve Smith said Travis Head "made things look really easy" on day two of their third Test against India on Sunday.

Head struck 152 runs from 160 deliveries at the Gabba, helping his side to 405-7 at stumps and putting the hosts firmly in control in Brisbane.

A third of Head's Test centuries have now come against India, with his latest showing his joint fourth-best innings in the format.

Smith also impressed for Australia, scoring 101 runs, which included 12 fours, to help Australia on their way to a comfortable advantage in a decisive game in their five-match series.

His latest century, his first since the second Ashes Test at Lord's in June 2023, is his 10th in 41 innings against India, matching Joe Root's record, achieved in 55 innings.

But Smith was quick to praise Head's display, saying his performance at the crease was "beautiful" to watch from the stands.

"It was nice to get in and feel good. I've been feeling good; I just haven't been able to get in and get through my work," Smith told TNT Sports.

"Heady makes things look really easy, and I'm just up the other end doing my thing.

"The scoreboard moves so quickly with him, it is beautiful to watch. It is the best seat in the house."

Stumps on Day 2 in Brisbane! Australia reach 405/7 in the 1st innings. Jasprit Bumrah the pick of the bowlers for #TeamIndia so far with bowling figures of 5/72 Scorecard - https://t.co/dcdiT9NAoa#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/500JiP8nsQ

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 15, 2024

Head, meanwhile, was more reserved when discussing his own display.

Australia scored 130 runs in the middle session at 4.8 an over, with Head scoring 80 of them to bring up his fourth century against India across formats.

"It is nice to keep the ball rolling. I felt like I've been playing well in the first two Tests, but nothing is guaranteed," Head added.

"So it was nice to come out and contribute to a partnership and the day.

"It is a nice wicket. It was challenging with the new ball, and they bowled really well, but our partnership helped, and we worked well together."