IND vs AUS Live Score: Bumrah strikes early as India keep Australia in check

Jasprit Bumrah led India’s charge with two early breakthroughs, reducing Australia to 104/3 at lunch on the second day of the third Test on Sunday. Despite resilient efforts from Steve Smith and Travis Head, the visitors managed only 76 runs in the session under persistent pressure from Indian bowlers.

With much of day one lost to rain, play began 30 minutes early. Australia resumed at 28/0 but soon lost Usman Khawaja (21) to a sharp delivery from Bumrah that kissed the edge to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. It marked the third time Bumrah dismissed the left-hander in the series.

Bumrah struck again in his next over, removing Nathan McSweeney (9) for the fourth time this series with a well-angled delivery caught by Virat Kohli at second slip.

Steve Smith (25*), showcasing a new stance with his signature shuffle, and Marnus Labuschagne (12) tried to rebuild but were tested relentlessly by the Indian pacers. Nitish Reddy then claimed Labuschagne, tempting the batter into a drive that was snatched by Kohli, leaving Australia at 75/3.

The session wasn’t without drama. Mohammed Siraj briefly left the field with a knee concern, raising fears in the Indian camp, but he returned later.

Travis Head (20*), fresh at the crease, played aggressively, including a sublime cover drive off Bumrah, to add momentum before lunch.