Live Cricket Updates: Australia v India, Day Two, Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground

The second day of the Boxing Day event was all about Ajinkya Rahane, as India’s alternate captain claimed a sensational century to put Australia to the sword.

Rahane made Australia pay to quit at 74, becoming the first Indian captain since Sachin Tendulkar in 1999 to score a century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as well as the first visiting captain to accomplish the feat since Pakistan’s Mohammad Yousuf in 2004.

India finished the day 277-5, an 82-run lead, as Rahane finished unbeaten with 104, sharing half-century partnerships with Hanuma Vihari (21) and Rishabh Pant (29) before adding 104 straight with Ravindra Jadeja, who Come back tomorrow the 40th.

India had risen to 90-3 at lunch, losing two wickets in the first session on Sunday. Shubman Gill (45) and Cheteshwar Pujara (17) added 61 before pitcher Pat Cummins (2-71) hit in successive overs. Gill fell at 4-28, before ambitious momentum led to his firing, trapped behind. Cummins pounced again on his next over, eliminating Pujara trapped behind by Tim Paine in a tailspin after a challenging 70-ball hit.

Vihari donned a sweep attempt after lunch and was caught in Nathan Lyon’s bowling alley at 116-4, before Mitchell Starc (2-61) became the ninth Australian man to claim 250 proving grounds when the pants with his left arm removed he quickly caught him behind. for 29 at 173-5.

India is without its best hitter and captain, Virat Kohli, who has returned to India to be with his wife at the birth of their first child. But they are in good hands with Rahane still in the batting area.

Rahane also led the team brilliantly on the field on Saturday, using his bowls superbly and showing style with his field setup.

Here’s how the second day unfolded:

– with news.com and AP