IND vs AUS: While Travis Head and Steve Smith frustrated the Indian bowlers of Day 2 of the Gabba Test in Brisbane, India's Ravindra Jadeja asked Mohammed Siraj to calm down after his wild throw during the first innings. The second incident unfolded during Jadeja's spell in the post-lunch session. Travis Head defended a delivery towards the offside and quickly set off for a single. Siraj, in an attempt to execute a run-out, sprinted over, collected the ball, and hurled it recklessly toward the non-striker's end.
However, the throw went over the batter, forcing Jadeja to leap to catch it. In the process, he injured his fingers. Frustrated by Siraj's unnecessary aggression, the all-rounder winced in pain and expressed his displeasure with some sharp words while shaking his hand.
Despite Jadeja escaping a serious injury, former English cricketer Mark Nicholas, commenting on air, remarked that Siraj's "enthusiasm" had nearly sparked a civil war.
"There is a bit of civil war on the field as Siraj's enthusiasm gets the better of him. He flung the ball so hard that it could have gone for four byes, but Jadeja gave him a right look. He must have said, 'You almost broke my finger, pal. Take it easy'," he said.
Lucky to survive Bumrah spell, but nice to make runs against India: Head
Travis Head was thrilled to register another century against India, but the Australian left-hander admitted he was fortunate to survive a brilliant spell from Jasprit Bumrah on the second day of the third Test.
Head's knock of 152 marked his third century against India in his last six innings, propelling Australia to a formidable 405 for 7. He was well-supported by Steve Smith, who contributed a fine 101.
"Jasprit comes on, I was a bit lucky with a few good spells. He goes for the base of the stumps early. I think it's about reacting. He has a good bouncer. He's got brilliant wicket-taking balls," Head told the host broadcaster.
"For me, it is about being positive against him. It doesn't mean that I need to score runs against him, but more about being proactive with my forward defence," he added.
"We play India a lot. Nice to make the runs. Pretty special to be able to back it up this week. Thought I batted well in Adelaide and Perth. We see them so much. They are hugely challenging. It is about being as positive as I can,” he said.
Head also paid tribute to Smith, with whom he shared a 200-plus alliance for the fourth wicket to take Australia to a position of strength.
"I've always enjoyed that about Steve. I've felt that when he's in the zone and batting well, I go unnoticed. I thought he was moving really well. I didn't feel I would lose my partner at the other end, so that gives me some (freedom) too," he added.
The 30-year-old looked well set to make his maiden Test double hundred but he was not particularly unhappy to miss the milestone.
"I'm just looking to score. If the game presents an opportunity to score runs, I want to score. I'm not here for milestones, I truly want to play well for the boys. I love the group. I enjoy what I do. I try to do what the team needs," he said.
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