Steve Smith's Resurgence and Travis Head's Dominance at the Gabba

At 1:29 pm in Brisbane, Steve Smith played an on-drive, earning only four runs. While not the most spectacular shot of the day, it held significance. It was the 91st ball he'd faced, bringing his score to 35. More importantly, it marked a turning point. For a moment, it felt like 2014 again, when Smith was at his imperious best. Impeccably balanced and composed, the ball surged off his bat, a nostalgic return to his peak form.

Smith's Return to Form: The Trigger Movement

Smith's struggles over the past 12 months are well-documented. He'd tinkered endlessly with his game, searching for the elusive magic formula. In Brisbane, his strategy was simple: return to his old plan. From the first ball, he reintroduced the dramatic trigger movement across his stumps, a hallmark of his most successful years. This exaggerated back-foot step, while seemingly ungainly, had the uncanny ability to perfectly position him for every stroke. It was a way of activating the unique element of his technique, subject to subtle adjustments based on his instincts.

The WACA Awakening

The first time Smith truly utilized this trigger movement in a Test match was against England at the WACA in 2013. He scored a century that day, largely attributing it to this movement. That day marked his transformation into the prolific run-scorer and uniquely elegant batsman we've come to know. For over a year, this cricketer had been missing, due to an unsuccessful experiment at the top of the order. To rediscover his magic, Smith had to rediscover the trigger that started it all.

Travis Head's Explosive Innings: A Positive Influence

The joyous afternoon at the Gabba also highlighted the positive influence of Travis Head on Smith. Head is currently playing with exceptional confidence, in a state of flow, seemingly capable of executing a cut shot against any delivery. His free-flowing style was infectious, lifting Smith out of his slump and back into form. Head's batting is a spectacle—ramps over the keeper's head, slashing cut shots, and audacious clips over mid-wicket. His shots seemed designed to provoke the bowlers. His century celebration, a helmet on his bat, was a familiar sight, but Smith's celebration was more emphatic.

Smith's Century Celebration

After reaching 99 with an on-drive similar to the one that marked his resurgence, Smith clipped one to fine leg and completed his run. He removed his helmet, wiped his brow, and held his bat aloft, kissing the Australian crest. He spun around to acknowledge the Gabba crowd, then slashed his bat with such force he nearly lost his balance. After a hug from Head, Smith glared towards the Aussie camp and nodded. This was a release of pent-up frustration and a message to his doubters, a point not diminished by his dismissal just one run later. Smith’s point was made.

The Impact of Weather and India's Struggles

Along with Head, Smith has set up this Test and series brilliantly, putting Australia in a position where defeat in Brisbane seems unlikely, given the forecast. Rain is expected over the next three days, making any result other than a draw challenging. But if Australia's bowlers can capitalize on the breaks in weather, their first innings total of over 350 might be enough to force a result. However, Sunday at the Gabba was about the thrill of extraordinary batting, not the pressure of results. Whether this is the start of a late-career resurgence, or his last hurrah, it was a privilege to watch Smith at his best again, reminiscent of the hungry young player he once was.

Rohit Sharma's Captaincy Under Scrutiny

Rohit Sharma's captaincy has come under the microscope. His field placements have been questioned. For example, Virat Kohli's position during Head's innings was perplexing, which exemplified the larger issue of the team's reluctance to risk boundary shots in pursuit of wickets. Ravi Shastri criticized Sharma's strategy, asserting that their containment approach wouldn't work against Head's aggressive batting style, leading to an excessive run rate. Michael Vaughan echoed similar criticism, pointing out that India's tactics lacked consistency, frequently shifting between different approaches without commitment. Kerry O'Keeffe characterized Sharma's approach as overly defensive, believing he needed to put more pressure on the Australian batsmen. The inability to consistently settle on a tactical approach has hampered India's performance.

India's Discovery: The Khawaja Blueprint

India appears to have discovered a way to dismiss Usman Khawaja. Jasprit Bumrah dismissed him for the third time in the series using a consistently good-length delivery in the channel outside off-stump, forcing Khawaja into uncomfortable positions. His three dismissals by Bumrah were all caught in the cordon, showcasing a repeatable strategy. This tactic creates an angle that makes Khawaja more likely to play at the ball, leading to his downfall. The success of this strategy highlights the importance of meticulous planning and execution in Test cricket. The effectiveness of this specific plan showcases the depth of tactical preparation that can yield tangible success at the highest level of the game.