India vs Australia 2nd Test is being played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day (December 26, 2020). Indian bowlers dominated the day as Australia was bowled out of 195. R Jadeja takes the last Aussie wicket in the form of Pat Cummins who tries to go big but is caught in the deep by Siraj. Bumrah remained the pick of the bowlers with his 4/56, well supported by Ashwin's 3/35 and debutant Siraj's 2/40. Labuschagne (48) and Head (38) fought valiantly for a while but couldn't kick on against a discipline Indian bowling unit after skipper Tim Paine elected to bat after winning the toss.
Labuschagne, who had survived a couple of lbw calls and a blow on the helmet as well, looked all set for a well-deserved half century until he became the first Test scalp of Mohammad Siraj, just two runs short of the milestone. Siraj, bowling to his field, got the Australian batter caught by another debutant Shubman Gill down the leg-side. Labuschagne scored 48 runs in 132 balls he faced.
Green and Paine then made sure Australia went into the break without losing any further wickets.
Earlier, after being asked to ball, the visitors had a great morning session as they had the hosts reeling at 38/3, taking the wickets of Joe Burns (0), Matthew Wade (30) and Steve Smith (0).
After India's dominating performance, Virender Sehwag hailed the captainship of Ajinkya Rahane and the bowlers. Sehwag on his Twitter wrote, "Outstanding bowling changes and really smart fielding placements from Rahane. And the bowlers delivered . Ashwin, Bumrah,Siraj were absolutely brilliant. Great effort to get Australia all out for 195 on the first day. Now for the batters to get a good first innings lead."
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