Fri Dec 27 13:54:34 UTC 2024: ## Australia Dominates Day 2 of Boxing Day Test, Leaving India Facing Steep Climb

**Melbourne, Australia –** Australia extended their dominance over India on Day 2 of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), leaving the visitors with a monumental task ahead. Resuming their innings at 474/9, Australia bowled out India for 164/5, a deficit of 310 runs.

Steve Smith’s impressive 34th Test century, including his 11th against India, formed the backbone of Australia’s first innings. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming four wickets.

India’s response was hampered by a disastrous final session, where three quick wickets undone an earlier strong partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36). A mix-up resulted in Jaiswal’s run out, leaving the young opener visibly frustrated. Kohli, dismissed for the third time this series by Scott Boland, also fell relatively early. Boland’s fiery spell proved instrumental in dismantling India’s middle order.

Despite a late boundary from Ravindra Jadeja, Australia remains firmly in control heading into Day 3. India needs a remarkable turnaround from their lower-order batsmen to avoid a heavy defeat and keep their hopes of a series win alive.

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