At the end of the day with Rahane's century, the advantage is on the hands of India

Ind vs Aus – 2^nd test- Day 2 – Match Summary

He made his last Test century more than a year ago. Specifically, in October 2019. He then played 8 more innings in Tests. But he didn't get a century. A century on the tour of Australia was his adorable. But is Ajinkya Rahane thought that it would come to such a state! Turning around after the Adelaide Test disaster, it is a challenge for the Indian team, without captain Virat Kohli who has returned to the country at for the birth of his first child. The responsibility of captaincy has fallen on his shoulders - and Rahane took the lead from the front and his century has given India a huge advantage. On the end of second day of the Melbourne Test, India scored 277 runs for 5 wickets with his unbeaten 104 runs and that gives the lead of 82 runs.

After Australia were bowled out for 195 in the first innings, India could not get off to a good start. Mayank Agarwal returned as lbw off Mitch Stark without scoring a run on the scoreboard. Cheteshwar Pujara, the 'dependence' of the Indian Test team, could not last long after Shubhaman Gill returned with 45 runs. Pujara was caught out by Tim Paine on 17 runs. After losing 3 wickets for 74 runs, India's innings was likely to break down, just then the 'captain' Rahane-show started in Melbourne. In a steady innings, he showed great responsibility. He faced 200 balls to play an innings of 104 runs. He hit 12 fours. However, the Australian fielders also made two catches for Rahane. Both are easy opportunities. The big players take advantage of this opportunity. Rahane also did. The regret of dropping two catches will burn Australian captain Tim Payne very well in Melbourne.

Hanuma Bihari was dismissed for 21 runs after a short partnership with Rahane. Though the run rate of this partnership was quite slow but this partnership helped to settling the innings down a bit & frustrate the Aussie bowlers. With the exception of Riddhiman Saha, Rishabh Pant is playing for India in Melbourne. However, the selectors' favorite wicketkeeper-batsman could not go far today. His innings ended with 29 runs. Though pant couldn't score much, his innings was pivotal as it pushed up the run rate and counter attacked Aussie bowlers.But selectors have proved themselves that the inclusion of Rabindra Jadeja in Melbourne was a great decision. After taking 1 wicket for 15 runs with the ball, Jadeja is also great with the bat. He has given great company to captain Rahane. He is unbeaten on 40 runs. He played 104 balls.

Jadeja's 104-run partnership with Rahane has taken India to the driver's seat today. The couple is giving confidence to make the third day tomorrow their own. For the sake of this pair, the second day in Melbourne is looking so long for the Australian bowlers. Australia would be happy if they could send back at least one of the them at the end of the day.

 Rahane's innings is being praised everywhere. Former captain Bishen Singh Bedi said “ Rahane's innings is of a very high standard. This Mumbai cricketer is a great asset to the Indian team. However, he also warned that India would have a long way to go to dispel Adelaide's nightmares.

Rahane's century as the first Indian captain in Melbourne since 1999 could make India dream of forgetting the Adelaide disaster.

Match Summary

Australia 195(72.2 overs).                             India 277/5 (11)

             

Marnus Labuschagne 48(132).                      Ajinkya Rahane   104*(200)

Travis Head 38 (92).                                      Ravindra Jadeja   40*(104)

 

Jasprit Bumrah 4/56 (16).                              Mitchell Starc 2/61 

Ravichandran Ashwin 3/35 (24)                    Pat Cummins  2/71