Sat Dec 28 01:32:31 UTC 2024: ## Australia Dominates Boxing Day Test, India Faces Steep Challenge
**Melbourne, Australia:** Australia has taken a commanding lead in the Boxing Day Test against India, posting a massive first-innings total of 474 runs. Steve Smith’s magnificent century (140 runs), his 34th Test ton equalling Sunil Gavaskar’s record, was the cornerstone of Australia’s dominance. Smith’s knock also made him the batsman with the most centuries against India.
India’s response was shaky, losing two wickets for 51 runs in 15 overs at the close of play. Captain Rohit Sharma (3 runs) and KL Rahul (24 runs) both fell to Pat Cummins, leaving India trailing by a significant 423 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal (23*) remained unbeaten at the crease.
India now faces the immediate challenge of avoiding the follow-on. To achieve this, they must restrict Australia’s lead to less than 199 runs; they need to score at least 275 runs in their first innings. Failure to do so would leave them vulnerable to being forced to bat again immediately. The team will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the Brisbane Test where only the late heroics of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah prevented a similar fate.
The news of this crucial match was overshadowed by the death of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at the age of 92. A seven-day national mourning period has been declared. His funeral will be held today with full state honours.
First Piper 