Fri Dec 27 08:01:37 UTC 2024: ## India Stumbles on Day 2 in Melbourne, Trailing Australia by 310 Runs
**Melbourne, Australia** – India ended Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test against Australia in a precarious position, trailing by a massive 310 runs at 164/5. A late-session collapse saw the visitors lose three quick wickets after a promising partnership earlier in the day.
Australia, resuming on 331/5, declared their innings at 474 after Steve Smith notched his 34th Test century. The Australian batsmen dominated the morning session, adding 143 runs before lunch.
India’s response began poorly. Captain Rohit Sharma, promoted to open, was dismissed for a paltry 3. KL Rahul’s dismissal just before tea left India struggling at 51/2.
A 102-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) offered some respite. However, a disastrous mix-up led to Jaiswal’s dismissal, and Kohli followed shortly after, both falling victim to Scott Boland. Boland further dented India’s hopes by removing night watchman Akash Deep for a duck.
The day concluded with India facing a significant uphill battle to avoid a heavy defeat. The remaining Indian batsmen will need a monumental effort on Day 3 to salvage the match.
First Piper 