Australia take control at the Gabba

Australia had the better of the third day of the second Test against India in Brisbane on Friday after a Steve Smith century and some valuable contributions from the lower order handed the hosts a 77-run first innings lead.
The Indian second innings started shortly after the tea break and progressed to 71 for the loss of one wicket after the Smith's side was eventually dismissed for 505.
The visitors still trail by 26 runs with nine second innings wickets in hand, with Shikhar Dhawan (26) and Cheteshwar Pujara (15) still at the wicket.
Earlier, Smith scored a century on his captaincy debut and with the help of Mitchell Johnson (88), Mitchell Starc (52), Nathan Lyon (23) and Josh Hazlewood (32 not out), they were able to eke out a significant first innings after finding themselves at 247 for six at one stage.
Mitchell Marsh resumed his innings this morning alongside Smith, but the injured all-rounder only managed four more runs and was dismissed for 11 shortly after the resumption bowled by Ishant Sharma, who bowled considerably better than during the second day.
After Brad Haddin (six) fell shortly afterwards with the score on 247, the Indians would have felt they have a great opportunity to gain the lead themselves, but after some toothless bowling by them, coupled with some aggressive lower order batting, that possibility was soon snuffed out.
Smith and Johnson and 148 for the seventh wicket and while both batsmen fell shortly before they passed the Indian first innings score of 408, the final two wickets both added more than 50 to hand the Aussies a significant advantage.
The Indian innings then started shortly after the tea break when Starc was the last man out, and the left-armer added to the visitors' woes when he dismissed first innings centurion Murali Vijay for 27 in the 11th over.
Whilst the Aussies will be pleased by the way in which their lower order batted, the bowling form of Johnson in particular – who remains wicketless in the match – will be of some concern after he sent down eight unthreatening overs in the latter stages of the day.
Latest
-
News
Moeen Ali fears 50-over cricket could be lost due to ‘unsustainable’ schedule
The World Cup winner is worried people are starting to view the 50-over format as ‘the long, boring one’.
-
The Hundred
Alex Hales leads Trent Rockets to opening Hundred win
The former England opener hit 58 off 41 balls against Birmingham Phoenix.
-
News
Richard Thompson named as new ECB chair and pledges to restore trust in cricket
The 55-year-old will leave is role at Surrey.
-
England
Jos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.
-
News
Harry Brooks and Will Jacks in England Lions squad to face South Africa
The tour match will give an opportunity for players to push for a first Test cap.
-
The Hundred
Nathan Ellis and Jordan Thompson help London Spirit claim thrilling derby win
Australian fast bowler Ellis (three for 28) and Thompson (two for 31) reduced the home side to 12 for four.
-
News
Jofra Archer extends Sussex contract for another year
The 27-year-old World Cup winner has been sidelined for more than a year by injury.
-
News
Northern Superchargers put their faith in experience for Hundred campaign
The Headingley-based men’s side could have eight players aged 34 and over in their first-choice XI.
-
News
Liam Livingstone looking forward to entertaining fans in the Hundred again
The England all-rounder finished the 2021 men’s Hundred with the most runs and the highest individual score.
-
News
On this day in 2008: Kevin Pietersen named England Test and one-day captain
The South Africa-born batter made a bright start but lasted just five months in the roles.