At stumps, India scored 277/5 on Day two of the ongoing second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja put India in the drivers' seat against Australia as they gave the Men in Blue 82 runs lead at stumps on Day two of the ongoing second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). At stumps, the visitors' scored 277/5.
The hosts might have scalped wickets of India's top-order, but in the final session, Rahane and Jadeja gave India firm control of the match.
On day one, India had bundled out Australia for 195 as Jasprit Bumrah scalped four wickets while Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets.
A look at some moments that took place on Day 2.
1. Mitchell Starc's 250 wickets in Test
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Pacer Mitchell Starc on Sunday became the fifth-fastest Australian bowler to take 250 wickets in the longest format of the game.
Starc achieved the feat in the ongoing second day of the Boxing Day Test against India here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Starc, in his 59th match, ended Pant's no so Test match type knock to claim his 250th wicket in the longest format of the game.
Dennis Lillee (48) is the fastest Australian to bag 250 wickets while Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (45) is the fastest bowler to achieve the feat. The off-spinner had eclipsed Lille's record in 2017.
2. Tim Paine's 150 dismissals in Test cricket
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While Mitchell Starc became fifth-fastest Australian bowler to take 250 wickets in the longest format of the game, skipper Tim Paine became the fastest wicket-keeper to record 150 dismissals in Test cricket.
Starc, in his 59th match, ended Pant's no so Test match type knock to claim his 250th wicket and this catch by Paine was his record dismissal.
3. Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant's cameos
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Rahane and Vihari rebuilt the Indian innings after the double strike by Cummins. The duo ensured that the hosts did not lose any more wickets before the end of the first session.
Both batters then started the second session after weathering the storm before lunch. The duo had steadied India`s ship before Nathan Lyon sent Vihari (21) back when the batsman tried to sweep.
Rishabh Pant then joined Rahane at the crease and the duo dominated the Australian bowlers in the second session. Pant scored runs at a strike rate of 72.50 while Rahane welcomed Cummins with a boundary in his fresh spell. However, Mitchell Starc ended Pant`s (29) innings in the 60th over of the innings
4. Ajinkya Rahane's century
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Ajinkya Rahane smashed his 12th century against Australia on Day 2 of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. This is Rahane's second ton against the Aussies and second at the MCG.
Rahane had reached his fifty off 111 balls and the knock displayed his excellent temperament and his shot-selection.
With his composed knock, Rahane steadied the India innings, sharing half-century partnerships with Hanuma Vihari (21) and Rishabh Pant (29). He has now a 100 runs partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (37).
5. Travis Head's drop catch
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The final session of the day saw Rahane bringing up his 12th century and he along with Jadeja ensured that the side does not lose any wickets in the final session of day two.
In the final 2.5 hours of day two, India managed to score 88 runs, and the visitors extended their lead to 82 over hosts Australia. Rahane's catch was dropped by Steve Smith and Travis Head off the bowling of Starc and Australia had to pay for the two misses dearly.
