Washington Freedom duo Travis Head and Steve Smith grabbed the headlines with their scintillating performances in the third Test played between Australia and India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Put in to bat, Australia rode on magnificent centuries from Head and Smith to guide the hosts to a commanding position in their first innings of the Brisbane Test.

After the Indian pace attack reduced Australia to 75/3 in the first session on Day 2, Head joined Smith at the crease. The pair then forged a brilliant partnership to stage an exceptional recovery for Australia.

Head continued his dominance against the Indian bowling attack as the flamboyant southpaw notched up his ninth Test hundred and third against India.

At the other end, Smith rediscovered his form as he battled inner demons to record his 33rd century in cricket’s longest format.

India’s pace bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah later ended their 241-run partnership as he dismissed Smith for 101. The former Australia captain’s knock included 12 fours.

Meanwhile, Head slammed 152 off 160 balls before Bumrah bagged his wicket. His dazzling knock was laced with 18 fours.

Head and Smith’s centuries propelled Australia to 445 in their first innings of the third Test.

In reply, India were bowled out for 260 as captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were the standout performers for Australia with the ball. While Cummins took four wickets, Starc bagged three scalps.

After securing a 185-run first-innings lead, the hosts made one final attempt for victory as they attacked the Indian bowling to amass runs at a brisk pace. In the process, Australia lost quick wickets and later declared at 89/7 after 18 overs.

With a target of 275 in 54 overs, only 2.1 overs were bowled in the fourth innings as rain played spoilsport and forced a draw at the Gabba.

The dull result leaves the five-match series level at 1-1 as Australia and India will resume rivalry in the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) starting on December 26.

Image Courtesy: ESPNCricinfo