Boxing Day Test Day 2: India on Top as Captain Rahane slams Ton

Melbourne, 27/12: India Captain Ajinkya Rahane slams his 12th test ton to put India in the driver’s seat in the second test match, here in Melbourne Cricket Ground(MCG). At stumps of Day 2, India is sitting comfortably at 277-5 with an Ist Innings Lead of 82 runs.

India started the morning from 36-1, Overnight batsman Shubman Gill and Cheteswar Pujara were watchful for the 1st hour of the play. Gill got out playing a poor shot outside off stump to Pat Cummins. He scored 45. Pujara followed him soon after scoring 17 runs. The ghost of Adelaide came back to haunt India as they were reduced to 64-3 fearing another batting collapse. But Rahane joined by Hanuma Vihari stitched a 52 run partnership to lay a foundation for a big score. Vihari departed when the score was at 116. Rishabh Pant walked in with some intent and scored an aggressive 29 to take India closer to a lead.

After Pant’s dismissal, Rahane and allrounder Ravindra Jadeja didn’t let any other damage to happen. Both the batsmen have built an unbeaten 104 runs stand between them. Rahane has shown immense character in his innings of 104*. He didn’t let the pressure come to him and didn’t miss out on scoring opportunities. His captain’s knock has put India in a commanding position. India would expect Jadeja and Rahane to continue in this fashion on Day 3.

As far as Australia is concerned, the dropped catches have come back to haunt them. The fielders didn’t support the bowlers at all. Starc, Cummins picked up 2 wickets each, and Lyon getting the wicket of Vihari. Australians were consistent with their line and length but the resilient Indian batting has kept them quiet.

On Day 3 India would be looking at a lead of at least 150 runs. With the MCG pitch offering enough help for the bowlers, Australian batting would be under pressure.