MELBOURNE: India continue to dominate the first innings of the second Test against Australia. India, who had restricted Australia to 195 on the first day, also batted well on the second day. Captain Ajinkya Rahane (104; 12×4 off 200 balls) added an unbeaten century while Ravindra Jadeja (40 not out; 1×4 off 104 balls) consistently helped India to a 82-run lead. He was 277/5 in 91.3 overs by the close of play on Sunday. It remains to be seen to what extent the two will fare on Monday. If Rahane and Jadeja play the same way on the third day, there is a chance that the Aussies will set a huge target.
Disappointed Pujara ..Starting the second day with an overnight score of 36/1, Team India lost two wickets for another 29 runs. Shubhman Gill (45) and Pujara (17), who were playing consistently, were sent to the pavilion by Cummins in successive overs.
With this, India lost three wickets for 64 runs and got into trouble. Rahane, who later came into the crease, played in charge of Hanuma Vihari and completed the first session without taking another wicket. By then, Team India’s score was 90/3.Vihari played consistently even after the lunch break .. Lion bowled an unwanted shot.
India lost the fourth wicket by 116 runs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant (29), who came into the crease later, entertained with fine shots. Together with Rahane, he tried to improve the innings. He added 57 for the fifth wicket in the series. However, Starc joined the pavilion in bowling as Pant also appeared to be on the mend. India lost the fifth wicket when he received a shot from wicketkeeper Tim Pine with a brilliant dive.
Ravindra Jadeja then entered the ring and ended the second session early due to lack of rain. India finished the tea break at 189/5.Rahane century with Jadeja ..In the last session, Rahane and Jadeja completely dominated. Played carefully not to take another wicket. Rahane, who hit boundaries whenever possible, played an impressive innings. The Aussies dominated the bowlers with nice shots.
Jadeja, on the other hand, also cooperated with him. Jaddu focused on singles and doubles without playing shots. It was against this backdrop that the two established an unbeaten 104-run stand by the end of the game. Rahane completed his 12th Test century in the final moments of Sunday’s game. Just then it rained and the game came to a halt on the second day.
Watch rahane century
