Travis Head has proved to be the nemesis of India paceman Mohammed Siraj as the battle between the duo heads into overdrive.

Head's counter-punching 152 on day two of the third Test at the Gabba, following on from his match winning 140 in Adelaide, was pure entertainment and Siraj was on the receiving end.

The pair were reprimanded by the ICC for a heated exchange when Siraj bowled Head in Adelaide after the Australian left-hander had thrashed the Indian speedster to all parts.

At the Gabba on Sunday it was Head again who dominated, taking 24 off the 15 deliveries he faced from Siraj in his spell after lunch.

Before lunch the 30-year-old Siraj left the field with a left leg complaint

He was bowling the third delivery of his 11th over when he pulled up and was unable to continue.

He called for the India team physio and after a brief conversation he left the field. Akash Deep finished the over and Siraj did not return before the lunch break.

When he returned to the bowling crease Head was already on his way to his ninth Test century. He targeted Siraj and ended up with a strike rate against him more applicable to white-ball cricket.

After tea he took nine from five Siraj deliveries and was severe on the rest of India's bowling attack as they tired.

Australia were 6-327 when Head was finally dismissed the fifth victim of the day for Indian great Jasprit Bumrah.

Siraj's injury appears to be more wear and tear at this stage.

India have already been without strike pace bowler Mohammed Shami for this series with an ankle injury while Bumrah had a groin niggle prior to the third Test, but recovered.

They can ill-afford to lose Siraj for any length of time.