The Indian bowlers dominated the first day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. On the second day, Shubhaman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane held the reins of the match. Rahane, who led the team in Kohli's absence, picked up the century. India scored 277 runs in the second of four Tests at the end of the second day. With 5 wickets in hand, he took the lead of 82 runs.
India were 195 for the hosts on the first day. At the end of the day, the visitors lost 1 wicket and scored 36 runs. On the second day too, the anointed Shubhaman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara started well. Shubhaman Gill went back with 45 runs despite the trouble of the morning. After that Pujara returned to the dressing room and scored 17 runs off 70 balls. Hanuma Bihari scored 21 runs in four overs. Rahane started accompanying him. But their pair was not bigger than 52 runs.
Then wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh, who preferred to play shots, made 29 off 40 balls. He was out after playing one more shot outside the off. He added 57 runs with Rahane. Rahane, who came down to lead the team, was steadfast on one side. He ended the day by teaming up with Test best all-rounder Jadeja. The Indian captain remained unbeaten on 104 off 12 balls with 12 fours.
And 40 runs came from Jadeja's bat. Mitchell Struck and Pat Cummins took two wickets each for Ajit. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon took a wicket. Ajids, of course, have a responsibility behind India's dominance. They gave life twice by catching Centurion Rahane. Shubhaman Gill also gave a chance to get out. But Miss Fielding is theirs tomorrow.
In the first innings, Marnus Labushan, who came down in the third innings, played the highest innings of 48 runs for Ajid, who was stuck before two hundred. Besides, 38 runs came from the bat of Travis Head. Opener Matthew Wade scored the third-highest 30 for the team and the Lions the fourth-highest 20. For India, pacer Jaspreet Buhra took four wickets and Mohammad Siraj two. Spinner Ashwin returned three batsmen important to Ajit's batting order.
