"Bowled Really Nicely": Steve Smith's Big Praise For Star India Pacer. It's Not Jasprit Bumrah

India pacer Akash Deep may not have entered the wickets column on the second day of third Test here but his ability to make the ball talk earned him high praise from Australian batting mainstay Steve Smith. Smith scored his 33rd Test hundred on Sunday and added 241 runs for the fourth wicket with with Travis Head (152) to put Australia in a strong position, having seen off testing spells from the peerless Jasprit Bumrah (5/72) as well as struggles against Akash Deep.

"I thought Akash bowled really nicely, particularly that first spell. He was getting the ball to move with pretty significant movement. He bowled a really good length. He's a nice bowler. It was the first time I've actually faced him. He has got some skill there for sure," Smith said at the day-end press conference at Gabba.

At stumps, Australia were well-placed at 405 for seven with Alex Carey going strong on a 47-ball 45.

"When that second new ball rolled around, Jasprit came in and did what we know Jasprit can do. It was unfortunate to lose a couple (of wickets) there. But we are in a really strong position at this present time," Smith said.

Smith, who ended an 18-month century drought with his knock of 101, also spoke about his on-field chat with Head, who sparkled with 152 in 160 balls.

"I had a great seat in the house to watch Travis bat. Travis is consistently performing well. The way he was able to put the bowlers under pressure from the outset is quite incredible. He has got an unbelievable eye and the areas off which he scores, it's tough to put fielders in those positions in a way.

"He's a special player at the moment. He's playing so well and helping our team immensely and putting pressure on the bowlers every time he goes out to play. It was