Fri Dec 27 10:08:03 UTC 2024: ## Australia Dominates Day 2 of Boxing Day Test, Leaving India Facing Follow-on
**Melbourne, Australia:** Australia asserted its dominance on day two of the Boxing Day Test against India, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb to avoid the follow-on. Resuming at 311/6, Australia declared their first innings at 474, thanks to a masterful 140 from Steve Smith, his 34th Test century and 11th against India, a record for most centuries against the nation. Pat Cummins narrowly missed a half-century, falling for 49. Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets for India, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed three.
India’s response was shaky. Captain Rohit Sharma departed early for 3, and despite a century partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36), India ended the day at 164/5, still trailing by 310 runs. Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) will resume on day three with the daunting task of preventing the follow-on, needing at least another 111 runs. Jaiswal’s 82, which included 11 fours and a six, provided some hope, but Scott Boland’s late wickets dealt a significant blow.
The series is currently tied 1-1, making this Melbourne Test crucial. The team that wins will take the lead in the series. India faces a challenging day three, needing a substantial partnership to stave off the follow-on and avoid a significant deficit going into the second innings.
First Piper 