Fri Dec 27 17:12:44 UTC 2024: ## Australia Dominates Day 2 of Boxing Day Test, India Trails by 310 Runs
**Melbourne, Australia:** Australia took control of the fourth and final Test against India on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Resuming on 311/6, the Australians were bowled out for 474, thanks largely to a stellar 140 from Steve Smith and a crucial 49 from Pat Cummins. Jasprit Bumrah (4 wickets) and Ravindra Jadeja (3 wickets) were the pick of the Indian bowlers.
India’s response was initially promising, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring a fluent 82 and a 102-run partnership with Virat Kohli (36). However, a collapse saw the loss of three quick wickets, including Jaiswal’s run-out, leaving India struggling at 153/3. The downfall continued, with India ending the day at 164/5, still trailing by 310 runs. Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) will resume the Indian innings on Day 3. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland took two wickets each for Australia.
The match witnessed a heated exchange between Virat Kohli and an Australian fielder, resulting in Kohli receiving a 20% fine of his match fee and a demerit point. India’s decision to field two specialist spinners, Jadeja and Washington Sundar, in a predominantly fast-bowling MCG pitch proved largely ineffective on the first day, although both spinners did manage to pick up a wicket each. Rohit Sharma’s move to bat at number three in the absence of Shubman Gill also failed to produce the desired impact. The day ultimately belonged to Australia, leaving India with a mountain to climb on Day 3.
First Piper 