Brisbane.
Indian fast bowler Akash Deep may have failed to take a wicket on the second day of the third Test here, but his ability to create problems for the batsmen with the ball was praised by Australian batsman Steve Smith. Smith scored his 33rd Test century on Sunday and put Australia in a strong position by adding 241 runs with Travis Head (152) for the fourth wicket. He also struggled against the challenging spells of Jasprit Bumrah (5/72) and the sharp bowling of Akash Deep.
“I think Akash bowled very well, especially in the first spell,” Smith said in the press conference after the end of the second day’s play at the Gabba. He was swinging the ball with a lot of movement. He bowled really good lengths. He is a good bowler. This was the first time I encountered him. He definitely has some skill.” At the time of stumps, Australia’s score was 405 runs for seven wickets. Alex Carey is playing after scoring 45 runs in 47 balls.
Smith said, “When the second new ball came, Jasprit came and did what we know Jasprit can do. It was unfortunate to lose two wickets there. But we are in a very strong position at the moment.” Smith ended his 18-month century drought by scoring 101 runs. He also talked about his interactions on the field with Head who scored 152 runs in 160 balls. “I had a great seat to watch Travis bat,” he said. Travis continues to perform well. The way he was able to put pressure on the bowlers right from the beginning is quite incredible.
“He’s a special player right now,” Smith said. He is playing very well and helping our team a lot and whenever he goes on the field to play, he puts pressure on the bowlers. It was good to see it again.” Regarding their interactions on the field, he said, ”We don’t say much to each other out there. He just says, ‘Do your job’. I say, ‘Do your thing,’ and we move on.”
