Fri Dec 27 17:12:42 UTC 2024: ## Australia Dominates Day 1 and 2 of Boxing Day Test Against India
**Melbourne, Australia:** Australia asserted its dominance over India in the first two days of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
On Day 1 (December 26th), Australia, winning the toss, elected to bat first and immediately seized control. Their innings concluded at 474 runs, with Steve Smith top-scoring with 140 runs. Pat Cummins contributed 49, Marnus Labuschagne 72, Usman Khawaja 57, and debutant Sam Constace a commendable 60. Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian bowling attack with 4 wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja took 3.
India’s response on Day 2 began promisingly. Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) put on a 102-run partnership. However, India’s momentum faltered after Jaiswal’s run-out. The loss of Kohli and nightwatchman Akashdeep (0) left India struggling at 164/5 at the close of play, still needing 110 runs to avoid the follow-on. Australia holds a commanding 310-run lead heading into Day 3. Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) will resume the Indian innings. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland each took two wickets for Australia. The remaining Indian batsmen will face the challenge of navigating a strong Australian bowling attack to prevent the follow-on.
First Piper 