Boxing Day Test: Ton-up Ajinkya Rahane, gritty Ravindra Jadeja assist India boss Australia on Day 2

Image Source : AP India’s Ajinkya Rahane, left, walks from the sphere with teammate Ravindra Jadeja on the shut of play on day two of the second cricket take a look at between India and Australia on the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 27 India skipper Ajinkya Rahane performed a captain’s knock to attain his twelfth Test century and assist India take management of the second Test towards Australia on the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India ended the second day’s play, comfortably positioned at 277/5, and 82 runs forward of the hosts Aussies who have been bowled out for 195 within the first innings on Saturday. Rahane was unbeaten on 104 whereas all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was with him on the crease on 40, the 2 having added an unbeaten 104 for the sixth wicket. The India stand-in skipper shared half-century partnerships with Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant to rescue India after they have been lowered to 64 for 3 within the first session. India misplaced two wickets in every of the primary two periods however didn’t permit any breakthrough to Australia within the closing session. India have been 189 for 5 on the finish of the second session, having misplaced the wickets of Vihari and Pant whereas including 99 in that session. Vihari fell for 21 to depart India at 116 for 4. He had added 52 for the fourth wicket with Rahane. Pant, who got here in on the fall of Vihari’s wicket, then added 57 runs for the fifth wicket with Rahane earlier than getting caught behind off the bowling of Mitchell Starc, who acquired his 250th Test wicket. India had earlier misplaced the wickets of opener Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara and went to lunch at 90 for 3. Both have been dismissed by Pat Cummins. Brief scores: Australia 195 all out vs India 277/5 (A Rahane 104 batting, S Gill 45, R Jadeja 40 batting, P Cummins 2/71, M Starc 2/61, N Lyon 1/52).