Rahane century put India in control

 

Second Test Australia vs India at Melbourne.

Australia 195ao 72.3ov, Labuschagne 48, 4 fours, Head 38, 4 fours, Burmrah 4-56, Ashwin 3-35

India 227-5 off 91.3ov,  S Rahane 104 no, 12 fours, Gill 45, 8 fours, Starc 2-61, Cummins 2-71

India lead by 82

Stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane’s unbeaten century of 104 not out from 200 balls, gave India control of the Boxing Day Test against Australia after day two in Melbourne. He shared the unbeaten stand of 104 with Ravindra Jadeja as India closed on 277-5 with a lead of 82. Rahane was dropped on 73 and  again on 104 on a frustrating day for Australia who spilled a futher two chances. Pat Cummins took two wickets in the morning session, having both debutant Shubman Gill (45) and Cheteshwar Pujara (17 caught behind.

India were 64-3 but Rahane battled though  when bowlers had the upperhand , and increasing his scoring rate late in the day against the new ball.