Sat Jan 04 05:50:00 UTC 2025: ## India Seizes Narrow Lead in Thrilling Day Two Test Against Australia
**Melbourne, Australia:** A breathtaking day two of the fourth Ashes Test saw a dramatic shift in momentum, leaving the match evenly poised despite India’s 145-run lead at stumps. A total of 314 runs were scored and 15 wickets fell in a high-octane clash that saw both teams display periods of dominance.
India, however, ended the day on a slightly sour note with star bowler Jasprit Bumrah forced to leave the field with a suspected injury after bowling only in the first session. Despite his absence, India managed a crucial four-run first innings lead after restricting Australia to 181. India’s young pace attack, in particular Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Reddy, stepped up in Bumrah’s absence, taking crucial wickets. Siraj and Reddy were particularly effective in the first innings, picking up wickets in the first hour of play.
Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a fiery start to India’s second innings, but Scott Boland proved a formidable opponent, dismissing Jaiswal and KL Rahul early. Boland continued his impressive form, also accounting for Virat Kohli, and finished with figures of 4-42. Rishabh Pant provided a counter-attacking display with a 29-ball fifty, the second-fastest in India’s Test history, before falling to Pat Cummins.
Beau Webster played a composed knock of 57 for Australia, forming a crucial partnership with Steve Smith (33) in their first innings. Smith, however, was dismissed just short of his 10,000th Test run. The Australian innings was greatly bolstered by the relentless pressure from Scott Boland.
The match is delicately balanced with India holding a lead but with the injury to Bumrah adding an element of uncertainty. The final day promises an exciting finish.
First Piper 