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Australia vs India, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, 4th Test - Live Commentary and Ball by Ball Updates

02
nd Innings India
We are back! The umpires are out in the middle as the Indian players take their places on the field. It will be Usman Khawaja and the debutant Sam Konstas to open the innings for Australia. Jasprit Bumrah has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
... THIRD INNINGS ...
Right then, Australia have the lead and the pitch is still more than decent to bat on. India will be buoyant after that late fightback with the bat and Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial with the new ball. Can the Aussies see the new ball off and core freely? Or will India rise up as a bowling order? Let's find out as Australia's second innings is up next.
Pat Cummins was prolific for the hosts early on with the ball and even triggered that run out but there was another fightback from India as Washington Sundar and a confident Nitish Kumar Reddy put on a record 100-plus stand for the 8th wicket and took India from 221/6 to well over the 300-run mark. However, Nathan Lyon got some purchase late on Day 3 and picked up crucial wickets but not before Reddy brought up one of the iconic hundreds at the MCG.
Talking about India's batting, the chop and change in the order didn't work as skipper Rohit Sharma's return to the opening spot didn't last long. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul started to find their feet but Pat Cummins snatched the wicket of Rahul with a ripper on the stroke of Tea on Day 2. Then came the stand between Jaiswal and Virat Kohli that really instilled confidence amongst the Indian team and they were going great guns until one huge moment of mix up. Jaiswal got run out in the 80s and then Kohli lost his temperament as well, leaving India reeling a bit.
Finally, the end of India's first innings and they have conceded a first-innings lead of 105 runs. It was a topsy-turvy innings that initially began on Day 2 and has lasted till the start of Day 4 but in the end, the hosts will have the triple digit lead and a chance to really set a huge target heading forward.
119.3
over
119.3 | 0 Runs | HH: 369/10
119.3
W
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Probably the first ball Nitish mistimes and perishes! With this, India's innings come to a close! Lyon drops it full and provides a bit of a loop on it. Drifts it outside off and Nitish Kumar Reddy gets lured in the flight. He charges down the track and tries to clear the long off fence. But he tries to hit it too hard and loses his shape. Hence, gets no real timing and distance on it. The ball sails only as far as toward the long off fielder where Mitchell Starc takes a simple catch. Nitish Kumar Reddy departs on 114 and India are all out on 369, with a deficit of 105 runs.
119.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Full again, on the stumps, defended well by Nitish.
119.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Nice and full, on middle and leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy leans on and defends it ahead.
119
over
119 | 2 Runs | HH: 369/9
118.6
0
Pat Cummins to Mohammed Siraj, DRAMA! Absolute drama at the MCG! Pat Cummins is not happy with the decision one bit! And wants to review it again. The Australians appeal in unison for the catch but the umpire shakes his head and straightaway walks to the third umpire and sends it upstairs. Coming to the delivery, Cummins yorks it outside off, Mohammed Siraj bends low to shovel it out and does get some part of the bat and it goes towards the second slip where Smith takes a good sharp catch. Now, the thing to be checked here is whether it has bumped to the surface off the edge or has the bat bumped on the ground with the ball going straight and flat to the slip. The Australians believe the latter and are really confident, and request a review from their end. But the umpires on-field tell Cummins that they cannot review it. They go on with the TV umpire's verdict in the end. So, Siraj will stay NOT OUT!
Has Siraj edged it to the slips? The Australians celebrate and Carey has even taken off his helmet as they are very certain they have got their man. The on-field umpire though has sent the decision upstairs and the TV umpire has been summoned. The question is, has the ball bumped on the surface on the way to the slips? After checking, the TV umpire deems that it has bumped off the surface. But it looked really close.
118.5
1
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Nitish now takes the single in the penultimate delivery! Fired in full and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy shuffles across off and clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.
118.4
1
Pat Cummins to Mohammed Siraj, Gets to the other end! A low full toss from Cummins, outside off, Mohammed Siraj opens the bat face and guides it to deep backward point for a single.
118.3
0
Pat Cummins to Mohammed Siraj, Sharp bumper, slanting down leg, Mohammed Siraj ducks and lets it go through to the keeper.
118.2
0
Pat Cummins to Mohammed Siraj, Hard length, on the middle stump line, Mohammed Siraj is solid in defense, brings the bat in front of the pad, and blocks it back to the bowler.
118.1
0
Pat Cummins to Mohammed Siraj, Back of a length, just around off, Mohammed Siraj gets behind the line and defends it into the off side.
118
over
118 | 8 Runs | HH: 367/9
117.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Loops it up, fuller and on leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy charges down the track and pushes it firmly to short mid-wicket.
117.5
4
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! What a shot! Lyon drops it a tad bit short and outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy shuffles way outside leg, gives himself enough room, and flat-bats it down the ground for a cracking boundary!
117.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Floated up, fuller and on off, Nitish dances down the track and eases it to the right of the bowler.
117.3
2
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, 'Two, two, two' is the call and they will get it! Excellent running! Nice and full, on middle, Nitish steers it to deep square leg and hares back for the second run.
117.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Mohammed Siraj, Siraj takes a single now! Slows it up, full and outside off, Siraj strides across and leans on the ball. Defends it with an open bat face to short third for a single.
117.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Looped up from around the stumps, full and drifting on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy charges down the track and lofts it over mid on for a single.
Nathan Lyon to operate from the far end.
117
over
117 | 1 Runs | HH: 359/9
116.6
0
Pat Cummins to Mohammed Siraj, BEATEN! Cummins spears it in, on a fuller length, just around off. It lands and nips away a shy bit, and beats the outside edge of the bat as Siraj tries to block it forward.
116.5
0
Pat Cummins to Mohammed Siraj, Solid defence by Siraj! Aims the stumps does Cummins, Siraj commits on the front foot and blocks it off the inner half of the bat.
116.4
1
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, First runs of Day 4! Much fuller and on the fourth stump, Nitish gets on the front foot and drives it past mid off for a single.
116.3
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Straight and full on off, Nitish prods forward and blocks it straight.
116.2
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Back of a length and just around off, Nitish hops on the back foot and blocks it on the off side.
116.1
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Cummins starts on the money! Good length delivery around off. Nitish dabs it to gully.
All in readiness for Day 4 to commence at the MCG! The sun is out and shining to its glory with barely any cloud cover. The umpires and the Australian players make their way out to the middle. Nitish Kumar Reddy, unbeaten on 105 and Mohammed Siraj are the two overnight batters for India. The tourists trail by 116 more runs. It will be Pat Cummins to kick off the proceedings with the ball. Off we go...
With two more days of cricket remaining in this game and the pitch still quite flat to bat on, Australia will be eyeing getting India all out at the earliest and then put on some quick runs on the board. We did see every now and then that deliveries from Nathan Lyon did grip and turn and a few more cracks might open up on Day 4.
Day 3 is generally the moving day in Test cricket but with a few rain interruptions and the light being too bleak to continue, we didn't get a full day of cricket in. But what we did get was a monumental fightback from India led by an unbeaten ton from Nitish Kumar Reddy and yet Australia find themselves leading by 116 runs and have one more wicket to pick up.
Hello and a warm welcome to one and all to the riveting Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. It is Day 4 of this crucial 4th Test and things are more evenly poised then they were at the start of Day 3.
... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...
As the rain draws an absorbing and entertaining Moving Day of this fourth Test cricket to a close, both teams will reflect on opportunities gained and missed. When play resumes tomorrow, Australia will be hunting for the last wicket remaining, while India will look to Nitish to shepherd the last wicket partnership and shrink the deficit to double digits to gain some psychological advantage. Well then, to compensate for the overs lost today, we will have an EARLY START tomorrow. The proceedings will begin thirty minutes earlier and the first ball will be bowled on Sunday, 29th December at 4.30 am IST (11.00 pm GMT, the previous day). Brace yourselves, as this battle is going to get more intense for the remaining sessions of play. But for now, cheers and take care!
The partnership finally broke when Sundar fell to Lyon's guile, but Nitish Kumar Reddy stood unbowed, crafting a magnificent maiden Test century by any number 8 batter at the MCG before bad light brought proceedings to a close. However, Australia would still consider that the game hasn't slipped away from their clutches as they still bank on a lead of 116 runs, and just need one good delivery to wrap things off.
Their stand, reminiscent of that famous Thakur-Sundar resistance at the Gabba in 2020-21, grew from careful defiance into something more substantial. Through 47 overs of intense cricket, they constructed a partnership of 127 runs, each delivery a small battle in itself. While the pitch remained true, Australia's relentless pressure after the rain break created periods where runs came at a premium as Australia tried to press on the opposition.
STUMPS, DAY 3 - This is Test cricket at its raw, pulsating best, a testament to why this Australia-India rivalry sits at the pinnacle of Test match warfare. As play and session resumed under threatening skies after the rain break, India found themselves 148 runs adrift, but what followed was pure theatre at the iconic MCG. The conditions demanded respect, and Australia's bowlers, led by probing spells from Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, threw everything at the Indian pair, but Sundar and Nitish didn't flinch a bit.
UPDATE - 12.19 pm IST (6.49 am GMT) - DAY 3 HAS BEEN CALLED OFF DUE TO RAIN! It was inevitable and even if the rain stopped in the next few minutes, it would have been tough to get back onto the field of play, especially with the bleak light, so, STUMPS have been called.
UPDATE - 12.07 pm IST (6.37 am GMT) - Not too long after the players went off for bad light, the rain followed soon and it is fairly substantial at this point. The covers are firmly in place and with every passing minutes, chances of resumption on Day 3 are fading away as well. We might get an official word soon, stay tuned.
UPDATE - 11.55 am IST (6.25 am GMT) - Uh, oh! It looks like the umpires are taking the players off the field. The light was starting to fade in the past few minutes and now the umpires feel, it is too bleak to continue. Nitish Kumar Reddy walks back to the dugout bowing to the wonderful reception he is getting from the MCG crowd and his father is front and center as well. Australia though are still 116 runs ahead and India have just one wicket in hand. This might be the last action of the day as well given we are heading into the twilight zone with every passing minute. However, if the clouds subside, things might brighten up as well, who knows? Stick around for further updates.
116
over
116 | 3 Runs | HH: 358/9
115.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Mohammed Siraj, Nice and full, at off, Siraj strides across and keeps it out.
115.5
2
Nathan Lyon to Mohammed Siraj, EDGED BUT SAFE! Slower through the air, around off, spinning into the batter. Siraj lunges forward to defend with soft hands but gets an outside edge that goes past the diving first slip fielder. It is mopped up by Boland in the deep third region. Two taken.
115.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Mohammed Siraj, BEATEN! This is fuller and around off, tossed and pushed through, Mohammed Siraj leans on to defend but gets beaten past the outside edge as it goes straight on.
115.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Short of a good length, turning in on the leg stump from middle, Reddy tucks it across to deep square leg for a single.
115.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Just a bit of grip and turn for Lyon. Full and pushed through on middle, turns into the batter. Nitish Kumar Reddy goes for a front foot block, but plays over the line. Gets a thick inside edge to the pads.
115.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Slower through the air, on middle and leg, Nitish rocks back and tucks it with soft hands into the leg side near the pitch.
115
over
115 | 5 Runs | HH: 355/9
114.6
0
Scott Boland to Mohammed Siraj, Almost a half-tracker angling on the off stump. Siraj pushes it to mid off.
114.5
1
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A tad bit short and wide of off. Reddy flat-bats it over covers for a single.
114.4
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Full and straight at the leg stump. Reddy digs it out to mid on.
114.3
4
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! NITISH KUMAR REDDY, REMEMBER THE NAME! A maiden Test ton for the 21-year-old youngster from Visakhapatnam! Playing his first Test series on foreign soil, he has achieved something absolutely remarkable and what a special venue and an occasion he has chosen to execute this feat! The crowd cheers for the youngster in unison as rushes to the other end, removes his helmet, plants the bat on the ground, and kneels down to soak in all the appreciation. Coming to the delivery, Boland bowls a fuller one, aiming at the sticks, Nitish Kumar Reddy clears his front foot and smacks it over mid on for a cracking boundary. A special, special knock under tremendous pressure from him. The first ton of many, many more to come in the future!
114.2
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dot again! And a huge appeal for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head. Boland brings the stumps into play and angles it on the stumps, on a good length. Nitish Kumar Reddy plays over the line of the ball and gets a thin inside edge onto the pads.
114.1
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Solid in defence is Nitish! Outside off on a hard length, Nitish Kumar Reddy prods half-forward and defends it out to the off side.
Right then, Mohammed Siraj has somehow survived those 3 deliveries but it seems like the light has gone bleak over the MCG. There might be even some rain coming in and the umpires are coming together for a chat. But for now, play will go on. Scott Boland is also brought back into the attack.
114
over
114 | 0 Runs | HH: 350/9
113.6
0
Pat Cummins to Mohammed Siraj, Siraj survives! A huge roar from the crowd as well! This is full and on off, Mohammed Siraj waits for the ball and meets it under his eyes to keep it out.
113.5
0
Pat Cummins to Mohammed Siraj, A sharp bumper directed right at the batter's body, Mohammed Siraj just about manages to duck under it.
113.4
0
Pat Cummins to Mohammed Siraj, Absolute ripper from Cummins and this is some edge-of-the-seat stuff overall! Beats the edge once again! He hurls it around off, on the fourth stump line on a good length, Mohammed Siraj gets beaten past the outside edge.
Mohammed Siraj is the last man in for India. Nitish Kumar Reddy still stranded at the other end on 99 and Pat Cummins has his tail up with just one wicket remaining. Can Siraj hold on for dear life? Let's find out...
113.3
W
Pat Cummins to Jasprit Bumrah, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Absolute drama at the MCG with Nitish Kumar Reddy stranded at 99 on the other end! Cummins arrives and strikes! The captain leading from the front for Australia with the ball. A picture-perfect delivery from Cummins as he steams in from over the stumps. He lands it around off and the ball keeps nibbling away from the good length after pitching. Jasprit Bumrah with barely any footwork, just hangs his bat away from the body. Hence, a healthy outside edge is found which flies straight towards the second slip. Usman Khawaja there makes no mistake and India are 9 wickets down now.
113.2
0
Pat Cummins to Jasprit Bumrah, Touch full and around off, Jasprit Bumrah waits for the ball to arrive and defends it out safely.
113.1
0
Pat Cummins to Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins comes into the attack now and bangs it hard into the surface, on middle, trying to unsettle Bumrah, who just backs away from the ball's line.
113
over
113 | 2 Runs | HH: 350/8
112.6
2
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Absolute chaos out there in the middle but at the end of it all, Nitish Kumar Reddy moves to 99 but won't be on strike at the start of the new over. Scott Boland serves the ball up at the batter, inviting the drive and Reddy decides to thrash it up and over mid off but skews it over the cover region for two. Should have just taken the single after getting away with a poor shot but he will now have to entrust Jasprit Bumrah.
112.5
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, That in-between length and outside the line of off, Nitish Kumar Reddy doesn't give into temptation and just leaves the ball alone. Can he get the single on the final delivery?
112.4
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ooh, maybe Jasprit Bumrah could have been a bit more alert there. Hard length around the top of off, Reddy blocks it just to the off side and looks for one but has to go back.
112.3
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Length again, around the top of off, Reddy plays it late and dabs it down wide of point, denying the single once again.
112.2
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Good length in and around off, Reddy plays it out on the off side.
112.1
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, This is pitched up on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy leans on and drives it firmly past the diving fielder at extra cover but fails to beat mid off and turns the single down.
Jasprit Bumrah is in at number 10 now.
112
over
112 | 1 Runs | HH: 348/8
111.6
W
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Nathan Lyon finally shows his class and breaks this record-breaking stand. Lyonn puts more energy into the ball and tosses it up on a nagging length around off, getting some good dip on it as well. Washington Sundar is drawn forward and looks to fend with soft hands but the extra bounce does him in. The ball takes the handle of the bat and goes quickly to Steven Smith at first slip. Smith brings out the 'crocodile clutch' and snatches it. Sundar departs after a valuable knock and India are now 8 down.
111.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Lyon throws this one full and wide of the off stump line, inviting a shot but Sundar leaves it alone.
111.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, A bit more flight and dip on this one, around middle, Sundar leans forward to defend.
111.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Nicely tossed up, full and around middle, pushed away to mid on by Sundar.
111.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Drags the length short and over off, Sundar looks to play off the back foot but miscues it off the inside edge toward backward square leg.
111.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Nicely flighted, full and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy with a classy punch off the front foot down to long on and gets a single as well.
Drinks! Another engaging passage of play with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar still hanging there out in the middle. The two have constructed their innings with immaculate maturity. The Aussie bowlers though have really stemmed the flow of runs since the resumption of play. However, the two batters have managed to stay patient and have knocked around the corners to rotate the strike, with minimal risk-taking. India still trails by 127 runs and Australia's aim would be to wrap this Indian innings as quickly as possible to hold a sufficient amount of lead to build upon with the bat. Will this break bring a breakthrough for Australia? Let us find out. Nathan Lyon to continue after the hydration break.
111
over
111 | 1 Runs | HH: 347/7
110.6
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Pitched up full and on off, Sundar leans on and punches it away to extra cover.
110.5
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Just back of a length and around off, nibbling away, Sundar defends it off the back foot.
Another feather to the cap now for the 21-year-old. Nitish Kumar Reddy now holds the record for the highest individual score by any batter at number 8 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground! He is at 95 with just five runs away from a well-deserved ton.
110.4
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Back of a length and around off, angling back in from around the stumps, Sundar leaves it alone.
110.3
1
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A stroke of luck there for Nitish Kumar Reddy and he probably deserves it as well. Nagging length in the channel, Reddy with half a prod looks to block but gets an inside edge past leg stump and towards backward square leg for one.
110.2
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, No run there! Short of a good length and around off, seaming away, Reddy leans on and bunts it out on the off side thinking about the single but decides against it.
110.1
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, On a good length and outside off, nibbling back in with some good carry, Reddy tucks his hands back and leaves it alone.
110
over
110 | 1 Runs | HH: 346/7
109.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Full again, on off and middle, Sundar leans on to make the block.
109.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Tossed up on the stumps, kept out by Sundar.
109.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Nice and full on the stumps, Reddy leans on and brings out the on drive, easing it down to long on for a single.
109.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ooh, Reddy trying to hit his way out of the 90s now. Pushed through a touch fuller around leg, Reddy looks to shovel it down to fine leg but the ball comes off the pads and goes down to leg slip.
109.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pushed through flatter on middle and leg, Reddy camps back again and keeps it out.
109.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Flattens it up and bowls it short around leg, Reddy stays back and dabs it down on the leg side.
109
over
109 | 0 Runs | HH: 345/7
108.6
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Another maiden for Boland but batting seems very easy on this track at the moment, not many cracks opening up either. Shorter in length and over off, Sundar hops right back and keeps it down past the stumps on the off side.
108.5
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Good-length delivery, on a tight line around off and holding its line, left alone by Sundar.
108.4
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Pitches the ball up in the channel around off, seaming away a touch, Sundar watches it sail past him and into the keeper's mitts.
108.3
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, A bit of aggression show by Boland as he bends his back and digs in a short one around off, Sundar leans back and sways away from the line of the ball.
108.2
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, On a good length and in the channel around off, seaming away late, Sundar shoulders arms at it.
108.1
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Nagging length in and around off, darting back in, Sundar covers the line to block it off.
108
over
108 | 6 Runs | HH: 345/7
107.6
4
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! Nitish Kumar Reddy now takes on Nathan Lyon and gets into the 90s! Tossed up on middle and leg, Reddy strides across and goes down on one knee before playing the hard sweep well behind square and beats the chasing fielder to his right for a boundary.
107.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Excellent running and there's a huge cheer from the crowd as that single brings up the 4th Test FIFTY for Washington Sundar, what a gritty knock this has been. Floated up full on off, Sundar leans on and pushes it just wide of Mitchell Starc at mid off and scampers through for one.
107.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Full again, on off and middle, driven with a straight bat and just to the right of mid off for a quick single.
107.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Nice and full on the stumps, drawing the batter forward, Reddy leans on and clips it to the leg side.
107.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fuller in length and on off, Reddy leans right ahead to drive but Lyon makes a stop down to his left.
107.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tossed up, on a length and turning in from around middle, Reddy stays back and keeps it out.
107
over
107 | 0 Runs | HH: 339/7
106.6
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Just now on air, Justin Langer mentioned that Scott Boland might go for the double bluff and go full on the final ball and he does exactly that. Pitches the ball up around off, drawing Sundar forward and as Sundar looks to drive the ball just seams away and beats the outside edge.
106.5
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Just back of a length, trying to angle it in from around off and then getting it to leave off the deck, Washington Sundar watches it well and blocks it off the back foot.
106.4
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, On a good length again on off and angling back in, solidly blocked off by Sundar.
106.3
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Ooh, good leave! Fullish length in and around off, Sundar isn't quite sure which way it is going but gets his pad across a bit and leaves it alone.
106.2
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Good length around the top of off, Sundar presses back a touch and plays it really late, keeping it down towards the slip cordon.
106.1
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Top delivery from Boland! Around the wicket to the left-hander and served on a three-quarter length around off, getting the ball to jag back in, Sundar gets squared up and gets hit high on the thigh pad.
106
over
106 | 1 Runs | HH: 339/7
105.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pushed through flatter and on the off stump line, Nitish Kumar Reddy goes back and across to defend.
105.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A bit of a confusion again in the middle. On a length and around off, angled across, Reddy taps it in front of point and looks for one but bails out quickly.
105.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Slightly flighted and around off, Reddy plays it from the crease.
105.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Flatter trajectory, darted in at middle and on a length, Reddy has enough time to get behind the line and block it off.
105.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Good running again! Fullish length in and around off, Sundar leans on and squeezes it to the right of silly point for a quick single.
105.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Tossed up, a bit full and around off, Sundar pushes it down towards silly point.
STAT ATTACK - Nitish Kumar Reddy becomes the batter with the highest individual score while batting at number 8 against Australia in Australia. He has surpassed Anil Kumble's 87 which came at Adelaide back in 2008.
105
over
105 | 0 Runs | HH: 338/7
104.6
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Maiden for Scott Boland! A touch full and outside off, watchfully blocked out by Reddy.
104.5
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Oh, that's jagged back severely! Boland goes a bit wider on the crease and serves it short of a good length, getting the ball to nip back in off the deck and Reddy almost gets cut in half as he wears it on the thigh pad.
104.4
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pitched up, wide of the off stump, shotting off the deck, left alone by Reddy.
104.3
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Just back of a length and around off, Nitish Kumar Reddy looks to drop and run on the off side but the single isn't on.
104.2
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, On a good length on off, darting it back into the body, Reddy stands tall and dabs it down towards mid-wicket.
104.1
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Comes from over the wicket and kisses the deck, bowling it back of a length around off, Reddy presses back and plays it with an open bat face down towards point.
Scott Boland returns to the attack now. He replaces Mitchell Starc.
104
over
104 | 6 Runs | HH: 338/7
103.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Slower and shorter on off, this one holds in the deck, Nitish Kumar Reddy looks to work it off the back foot but ends up spooning it down toward long on for one more. 6 off that over!
103.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Cheeky single there by Sundar! Length around off, pushed down wide of covers for a quick run.
103.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Oh, a nervy moment there for Usman Khawaja as he takes a tumble and his knee just got stuck in the turf. On the shorter side again and around leg, nudged away past square leg for a single.
103.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Floated up on a shorter length, turning into the body, Reddy presses back and tucks it toward mid-wicket.
103.2
3
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Nicely played! Fractionally short again and outside off, Sundar latches onto the width and hammers it square through the off side. Sam Konstas gives the long chase as the batters pick up three runs.
103.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, A slight mix-up in the middle, not for the first time in this Indian innings but no harm is done. Lyon begins the new spell with a shortish ball around off, Sundar rocks back and taps it towards point looking for one but both batters eventually decide against it.
103
over
103 | 1 Runs | HH: 332/7
102.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Just back of a length, offering no room whatsoever around off, Reddy presses back and pushes it down in front of covers. Australia have tightened the screws since the resumption but no sign of a wicket yet.
102.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Starc honing in and inching closer to the top of off. Serves it on a length and just around off, Reddy gets a gauge of the line and gets his hands back to make another leave.
102.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Excellent line and length, tight around off and just going over the top of the stumps, Reddy makes another watchful leave.
102.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pitched up in the channel around off, shotting off the deck a bit and Nitish Kumar Reddy makes yet another leave.
102.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Good-length delivery on off at 141 clicks, this one hits the deck and darts away from the right-hander as Reddy shoulders arms.
102.1
1
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Uppish but in the gap! Length ball, slanting it into middle and leg, Sundar looks to flick and miscues it past short leg and in front of mid-wicket for a single.
102
over
102 | 3 Runs | HH: 331/7
101.6
1
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Good cricket all around. Pitched-up delivery around off, Sundar lets the ball come on and punches it back into the deck over the crouching non-striker and sets off for the single. Pat Cummins is quick to get across to his left at mid off and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end but Sundar is well in.
101.5
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, On a hard length and bowled into the deck around the top of off, Sundar stays compact and blocks it with a dead bat.
101.4
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Gentle-paced delivery, floated up on a fullish length outside off, angling across, Sundar makes another leave.
101.3
2
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Full and straight, slanting back in, Sundar looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the blade through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
101.2
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Marsh pitches the ball up a few inches now and serves it on the fourth stump line, getting it to nibble back in late, another assured leave from Sundar.
101.1
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Good, tight bowling this from Marsh! On a good length around off, seaming back in a bit, Sundar leaves it on length and the ball comes back in to just flick the thigh pad.
101
over
101 | 0 Runs | HH: 328/7
100.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Maiden! Bowls it even fuller now and serves it up in the channel around off, inviting the drive but Reddy shoulders arms.
100.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, This is pitched up again but pushed a bit more across the off stump, easy leave for Nitish Kumar Reddy to make this time.
100.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pitches the ball up in the channel around off, nibbling away from the right-hander, Reddy shoulders arms.
100.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Oh, that's one reared up a bit and Nitish Kumar Reddy does well not to edge that one behind. Short of a good length and on a tight line on off, seaming away with extra bounce, Reddy has a poke at it and gets well beaten.
100.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Starc drags the length back a touch and brings the line back onto the off stump, Reddy stays back and dabs it down wide of the slip cordon.
100.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Full and wide of the off stump line, clocking in at around 141 kph, left alone by Reddy.
100
over
100 | 1 Runs | HH: 328/7
99.6
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Similar line and length, outside off and left alone by Sundar. India are 328/7 after 100 overs!
99.5
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Marsh hits the good length around off and gets the ball to gently spring away from the left-hander, Sundar leaves it alone.
99.4
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, On a good length and in the channel around off, good carry this time and Sundar shoulders arms at it.
99.3
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Hard length around the top of off and angling away, Sundar gets a bit forward looking to play with soft hands and ends up getting it off the handle of the bat down to gully.
99.2
1
Mitchell Marsh to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Oh, that is a risky shot from Nitish Kumar Reddy. Full and wide outside off, the attempted outswinger, Reddy thrashes at it and ends up slicing it a tad uppishly down to deep third for a single.
99.1
0
Mitchell Marsh to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Floated up on a shortish length and outside off, Reddy gets across and thinks about the hard cut shot but ends up leaving it alone.
Another update regarding the number of overs to be bowled. 39 overs will be bowled in this final session, including the extended time.
99
over
99 | 1 Runs | HH: 327/7
98.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Back of a length and over off and middle, Sundar presses back and solidly blocks it back onto the deck.
98.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Banged into the deck now at almost 141 clicks and around off, Sundar simply sways away from the line of the ball keeping his hands down as well.
98.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A good, early call for the single and they get it with ease as well. Short of a good length and over off, Reddy presses back and eases it down behind the diving point fielder for a single.
98.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Flirts with a wide one now does Nitish Kumar Reddy. Full and wide, speared well across the off stump line, Reddy looks to squeeze it away but is beaten by the sharp bounce.
98.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Just back of a length and on off, seaming away across the deck, Reddy watches it well and taps it down to point.
98.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Starc begins with a loosener, floats it full and wide from over the wicket and this one hugs the tramline outside off. Left alone easily by Nitish Kumar Reddy.
The other Mitchell from the other end. Starc to share the attack. He is 22-1-84-0 so far. Ravi Shastri on-air mentions that Starc has got some treatment on the lower back area during this break. And he is looking fit and fine now as well.
98
over
98 | 0 Runs | HH: 326/7
97.6
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, A maiden to kick off the new session then! Good length, kissing the deck around off and going straight on, Sundar doesn't play at it. Six leaves in that over.
97.5
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Dishes across a full and wide one across the left-hander, Sundar opts to leave this one as well.
97.4
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Nagging length, floated up in the channel around off, Sundar presses forward and lets it through yet again.
97.3
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Full and wide, a bit too wide outside off to induce a drive, left alone by Sundar once again.
97.2
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, Similar line and length, a tad closer to the off stump this time and goes straight on, Sundar leans forward and leaves it alone.
97.1
0
Mitchell Marsh to Washington Sundar, A gentle-paced delivery, floated up full and outside off, shaping back in a touch, Sundar watches it go past him and through to the keeper.
Welcome back, folks! We are back for the third and final session of Day 3! And fortunately, the conditions have brightened up a bit as well as of now. The umpires make their way out to the middle. Australian players also take their field positions. Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy to resume their innings with the bat for India. The tourists trail by 148 more runs, and they will have to start afresh. Also, if the weather permits, the play can be extended up to 13.16 pm IST (7.46 am GMT) to complete the allotted overs for the day. Well then, Mitchell Marsh to kick off the proceedings with the ball for Australia. Off we go...
... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ...
UPDATE - 10.24 am IST (4.54 am GMT) - More pleasing visuals. Australian bowlers are seen warming up near the dugout. Scott Boland is out there with the ball. Washington Sundar can be seen in the Indian dugout eagerly waiting to come out to bat.
UPDATE - 10.17 am IST (4.47 am GMT) - And there we have it. PLAY RESUMES AT 10.30 am IST (5 am GMT) for the third session, if there's no more rain. The super soppers are deployed out there to dry up the wet areas around the park. However, the overhead conditions remain cloudy and muggy for now.
UPDATE - 10.13 am IST (4.43 am GMT) - Good news, folks! The groundsmen are peeling off the covers now. Also, there's a long chatter between the two on-field umpires and the other match officials, probably regarding the resumption of play. We are not too far away from the start and we might also have an official start time soon. Stay tuned for further updates.
UPDATE - 10.10 am (4.40 am GMT) - The drizzle seems to have stopped out there, but the covers are still placed firmly on the pitch and the squares. The two match officiating umpires take a stroll out in the field now and are inspecting the conditions. Also, Ravi Shastri on-air mentions that there is still some rain predicted on the radar later in the day, and we might have a start-stop kind of situation.
The rain interruption couldn't have come at a better time for the Australian seamers. Just when Nitish and Washington were looking settled at the crease and finding their groove, the weather Gods intervened. This break not only arrests the momentum the Indian pair had built but also gives the tired Australian quicks a chance to recharge their batteries. The conditions could also get a bit spicy when play resumes. We often see the ball doing a bit more off the surface right after a rain break, especially with overcast conditions. The batters will need to start fresh, almost like beginning their innings again, which is never easy in Test cricket. The old adage of 'batters having to earn their runs twice' after a rain break could come into play here.
UPDATE - 9.59 am IST - (4.29 am GMT) - Well, the play would have started for the third and the final session by now, but it is drizzling out there in Melbourne and the covers are placed firmly on the pitch and the squares. As it stands, the start of the third session has been officially delayed due to rain.
Australia won't be too displeased with the current state of play, as they still hold a commanding lead of 148 runs, but they would be keen to remove this batting pair as quickly as possible to sustain the dominance in this game. However, there have been some concerns in their bowling department, particularly with Mitchell Starc struggling to find his rhythm and looking visibly uncomfortable with his lower back area. The new ball period didn't yield the breakthroughs they would have hoped for, as the conditions offered little assistance to the seamers, with the ball coming nicely onto the bat. Scott Boland and Pat Cummins though created chances here and there and have shared 5 wickets among them, with Nathan Lyon chipping in with one as well.
When Jadeja departed, India was in dire straits - trailing by 253 runs and facing the very real prospect of following on. However, what unfolded next was nothing short of remarkable. Nitish Kumar Reddy, showing maturity well beyond his 21 years, produced an outstanding unbeaten knock of 85. He found an able ally in Washington Sundar, whose support at the other end proved invaluable. The batting surface has remained quite favorable, showing little signs of deterioration - which only amplifies the frustration over the top order's inability to capitalize. Had the other batters contributed responsibly, India would have found itself in a far better position at this stage.
What a fascinating turn of events this Moving Day has witnessed. When Australia managed to dismiss both Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja in rapid succession, they appeared to have all the momentum. India found themselves in a precarious position at seven wickets down. However, the complexion of the match transformed dramatically as Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy mounted an extraordinary resistance following that. Their resolute century partnership for the eighth wicket has raised India's hopes again as they have managed to avoid the follow-on as well. With that, this session goes India's way and now the tourists have won two sessions, versus Australia winning 4 out of eight sessions played.
UPDATE - And all of a sudden, the umpires request the players to walk off the field now. The play has been stopped due to BAD LIGHT! And now, it has started to drizzle a bit as well. It is not that heavy at all and hopefully, will subside sooner. But for now, the covers are being brought in to protect the playing area and the pitch is now being covered as well. And with that, an early TEA has been taken on Day 3!
97
over
97 | 2 Runs | HH: 326/7
96.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Length, onto the pads, glanced away to deep square leg for a single. India trail by 148 more runs now!
96.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Short of a good length, over the top of middle, Sundar ducks under it safely.
96.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Pitched well up, on off, Washington Sundar prods forward and knocks it straight to cover.
96.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Bashes the hard length does Starc, outside off, left alone by Sundar.
96.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Banged in short and on the bodyline, Sundar ducks under it.
96.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Good length in the channel outside off. Sundar leaves it alone.
96.1
1
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, NO BALL for overstepping! Short and outside off. Sundar arches back for a slash but misses on the top edge. The deficit has now shrunk under 150 for India.
96
over
96 | 9 Runs | HH: 324/7
95.6
4
Mitchell Marsh to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! TWO IN TWO! An error from Nathan Lyon in the deep now and four more for Nitish! Back of a length, nipping away from outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy stands tall and punches it through the covers. The ball slows down just before the ropes and Nathan Lyon chases it, but he slips and loses his balance a bit and crashes into the boundary cushions with the ball in hand.
95.5
4
Mitchell Marsh to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! A poor ball and this will be more runs. It wasn't that far from Starc at deep fine and just dropped short ahead of him as he dived forward to catch it. Full and down the leg side. Reddy whips it across towards deep fine leg. The ball dips ahead of Starc and evades him to the fence over a couple of bounces.
95.4
0
Mitchell Marsh to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hard length, outside off, guided off the back foot to backward point.
95.3
0
Mitchell Marsh to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A bit of yes or no but no harm done! Hard length, on off, Reddy taps it to the off side and looks to sneak a single but gets a sendback by Sundar.
95.2
0
Mitchell Marsh to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Touch fuller and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy blocks it straight to the bowler.
95.2
1
Mitchell Marsh to Nitish Kumar Reddy, NO BALL! Marsh has overstepped here. Back of a length, a real effort ball, on a length on off. Blocked in the off side.
95.1
0
Mitchell Marsh to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Marsh is back on, replacing Nathan Lyon. Length ball on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy taps it away to the off side.
95
over
95 | 4 Runs | HH: 315/7
94.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Bumped into the surface, on the bodyline, Sundar sits under it and lets it sail over the batter.
94.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Back of a length again, on off, Sundar punches it off the back foot to the cover region.
94.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Back of a length outside off. Sundar leaves it alone.
94.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, A slight tail back into the batter, on middle and leg on a fuller length, Washington Sundar pushes it straight to mid on.
94.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Sliding down leg, on a length, Sundar misses the tuck it away. Starc is holding his back and is constantly pressing the lower left area on the way to the bowling mark. Might be a stiff back. But fine to continue for now.
94.1
4
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, FOUR! Runs coming thick and fast for India now! A fairly loosener from Starc, offers width outside off on a good length, Washington Sundar rides the bounce and latches onto it and slaps it through covers for a boundary. This is also the third highest 8th wicket partnership for India on Australian soil.
Mitchell Starc is back on. He replaces Scott Boland.
94
over
94 | 8 Runs | HH: 311/7
93.6
4
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! WHAT A SHOT! Not too short and not that full either, Nitish Kumar Reddy transfers the weight on the back foot and cracks the shot through covers for solid boundary.
93.5
2
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Good running by these two! Back of a length, just outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy rocks back and cuts it to deep backward point for a couple.
93.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dishes out a good length ball, outside off, left lone.
93.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Nice and full, quicker and flatter on off, Washington Sundar defends it off the outer half of the bat in front of the short gully region and rushes for a quick single.
93.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Pitched outside off, on a good length, turning away a shy bit. Washington Sundar fends it to the gully region.
93.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Lyon gives it a lot of loop on a length, turning back in, Nitish Kumar Reddy rocks back and cuts it past backward point for a single.
93
over
93 | 1 Runs | HH: 303/7
92.6
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire is not interested! Probably pitching outside leg and hence, the Australians do not opt for the review. On a good length, angling at the stumps. Washington Sundar tries to play it across but wears it on the thigh pad. Ball Tracking comes up later and shows that it is pitching outside the leg stump.
92.5
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Nibbling away from outside off on a good length, Washington Sundar leaves it alone.
92.4
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Back of a length, outside off, Sundar makes a sharp leave.
92.3
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Just a bit too full and around off, Washington Sundar prods forward and defends it out to the gully region as the ball catches the outer half of the willow.
92.2
1
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tap and run! Good cricket! Hard length, onto the pads, Nitish Kumar Reddy hops on the back foot and tucks it across to mid-wicket for a single.
92.1
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Back of a length, on top of off, Reddy stays leg side of the ball, and guides it to cover-point.
92
over
92 | 3 Runs | HH: 302/7
91.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Full around the off stump. Sundar gets forward and opens the bat face, dropping it in front of Khawaja at backward point.
91.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dropped full and around off, Nitish Kumar Reddy works it to mid-wicket for a single.
91.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Length, on stumps, pushed away to wide of cover-point for one.
91.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, The 300 is up for India now! Length ball, turning a bit into the batter onto the pads, Reddy pushes it to mid on for a single.
91.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Very slower through the air, on the middle and leg. Nitish Kumar Reddy stays back in the crease nad punches it under his eyes.
91.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Looped up and drifting on off, and fuller, Nitish Kumar Reddy leans ahead and pushes it back to Lyon.
91
over
91 | 1 Runs | HH: 299/7
90.6
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Fairly outside off, on a length, left alone.
90.5
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Good length around the off stump. Sundar closes the bat face and knocks it to mid-wicket.
90.4
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, BEATEN! A pearler of a delivery! Boland angles it into the stumps and on a fuller length. Washington Sundar plays at it for a defence, but it just straightens up enough to flirt past the outside edge.
90.3
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Outside off on a length, left alone by Sundar.
90.2
1
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Around off, on a length, Nitish Kumar Reddy taps it away to backward point for a quick single.
90.1
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A sharp, steep bumper from Boland, jagging back in a touch as well. Nitish Kumar Reddy arches back and lets it be.
90
over
90 | 0 Runs | HH: 298/7
89.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Touch full and looped up, on off, Sundar leans on and blocks it out.
89.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Pushed through, on off, and full in length. Sundar blocks it out.
89.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Nice and full, on off, defended alertly by Sundar.
89.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Dragged length, aiming at the off-stump line, Washington Sundar rocks back and knocks it onto the pitch.
89.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Nice and full, drifting in on off, defended well by Sundar.
89.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Around the stumps, floated up, full and on off, Washington Sundar leans on and defends it.
Spin back on. Nathan Lyon is summoned back into the attack, replacing Pat Cummins.
89
over
89 | 4 Runs | HH: 298/7
88.6
4
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! Another good-looking shot from Nitish! An overpitched delivery by Boland, around off, Nitish Kumar Reddy takes his front foot out and with a good elbow-extension, he plays with a straight bat and drives it down the ground, right behind the bowler for a cracking boundary. India now trail by 176 runs as the stand grows to 77 runs. Also, this is the highest 8th wicket partnership for India at the MCG!
88.5
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Good length and swinging away a shy bit from outside off. Reddy leaves it alone.
88.4
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Back of a length angling into the middle and leg. Reddy clips it to forward square leg.
88.3
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Oh, hello! What was Nitish trying to there? A rush of blood, but totally unnecessary! Pitched on the length, and angling on the stumps, Nitish Kumar Reddy tries to play the reverse scoop but misses and gets rapped on the thigh pad. An appeal for LBW but Boland but the umpire shakes his head in denial. The first false shot executed by Nitish.
88.2
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fires in on a good length, with an extra bit of bounce and a nip back in as well. Nitish Kumar Reddy prepares to leave but the ball just jags back enough to ping him on the elbow of the bottom hand before going to the slips on the bounce.
88.1
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Nagging length, on off, blocked off the front foot by Nitish.
DRINKS! They say, it's not over until it's over and these two - Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are just proving this thing right at the moment. They have now mounted a partnership of 73 runs, which has come at a decent pace as well. More importantly, India have avoided the follow-on and trail by under 200 runs now. For Australia, likewise India, they haven't been able to cash in with the new ball as there has been next-to-little movement on this surface. Australia's aim will be to get rid of these two batters as quickly as possible before the stand really frustrates them up. As things stand, India is still behind the hosts as they trail by 180 runs. Let's see how this half pans out. Scott Boland to continue.
88
over
88 | 4 Runs | HH: 294/7
87.6
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, A nip-backer onto the middle stump on a length. Sundar is caught in the crease, chops it down to his left.
87.5
2
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Hard length, around off, Washington Sundar gets on the toes and works it away to deep third. Mitchell Marsh at the gully region tries to intercept it with a dive to his left but parries it off the fingers to the deep. Two taken.
87.4
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Peach! Just outside off, on the fifth stump line, and gets it to nip away a shy bit from a fullish length. Washington Sundar plays for the ball to come at him with the angle, but it just straightens enough to beat his outside edge.
87.3
1
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Banged in short and angled into the batter's bodyline. Nitish Kumar Reddy rises with the bounce and taps it off the gloves to the square leg region. They cross.
87.2
1
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Around the stumps, a bit of shape in from outside off. Sundar leans across and knocks it to the point region for a quick single.
87.1
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Back of a length around off, Sundar stands tall and defends to mid off.
87
over
87 | 6 Runs | HH: 290/7
86.6
2
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Carey now moves up near the stumps. Full in length, and shaping into the off stump from outside off. Reddy goes through the front foot drive and gets wide of mid on for a couple of runs.
86.5
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Full and outside off. Reddy looks to drive down the ground but gets it off the inner half of his bat and rolls to the right of the bowler.
86.4
1
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Just for a moment, Sundar's heart would've been in his mouth! Survives a scary run out! Full ball, on off, Sundar pushes it firmly to mid off where Travis Head picks and throws in a motion to the non-striker's end but has a shy. Washington Sundar puts on the afterburners to reach to the other end and gets there safely with a timely slide in.
86.3
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, BEATEN! What an immaculate angle and line! Bowls it in the channel, outside off, just holding its shape around off, Washington Sundar has a feel for it and draws his front foot out to defend. Ends up playing inside the line of the ball and it zips past the outside edge.
86.2
0
Scott Boland to Washington Sundar, Fuller length around off. Sundar gets forward and nudges it to short cover.
86.1
3
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Scott Boland is back on, replacing Mitchell Starc. Boland bowls a full ball, around off, Nitish Kumar Reddy takes a good stride forward and drives with a high-elbow extension. Gets it past cover-point. Pat Cummins does the hard yards and chases the ball to the deep. Three taken.
86
over
86 | 1 Runs | HH: 284/7
85.6
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Back of a length, just outside off, Washington Sundar hangs his bat in the air to make the leave. India trail by 190 runs.
85.5
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Banged in short and on the bodyline, Washington Sundar sits safely under it.
85.4
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Length-delivery, on off, Sundar leans back and lets it be.
85.3
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Straight out of the middle, but straight to the fielder at mid off. Full and on off, Washington Sundar drives it to mid off where the fielder dives to the left and makes a sharp stop.
85.2
1
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tap and run! Outside off on a fuller length, Nitish Kumar Reddy leans ahead and guides the ball to deep backward point for a single.
85.1
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fuller length outside off. Reddy gets forward and blocks it down the pitch.
85
over
85 | 8 Runs | HH: 283/7
84.6
4
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, FOUR, but the batters do it by running! Young quick legs. And Starc seemingly looks unhappy with the effort by Nathan Lyon in the deep. Fuller and on the middle and leg, Washington Sundar maintains good balance as he flicks it across and gets it past mid-wicket. It however, slows down just before the ropes and plugs in the grass. Nathan Lyon chases it but the batters hurry back for the fourth run.
84.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A sharp bumper, on the top of the stumps, Nitish Kumar Reddy gets on the toes, plays it closer to the body and with soft bottom hand. The ball rolls in front of the point region and they cross.
84.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hard length, onto the pads, Nitish Kumar Reddy camps back and tucks it to wide of square leg.
84.3
3
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, A bit too full and with a shape away from off, Washington Sundar pats his front foot out and drives it past cover-point for three more runs. The deficit is now under 200 for India as they trail by 196 runs.
84.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Speared in fuller and at the leg stump line, Washington Sundar looks to flick but closes the bat face a bit early, and the ball goes towards the backward point fielder off the leading edge.
84.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Fuller length shaping away from outside off. Sundar leaves it alone to the keeper.
84
over
84 | 5 Runs | HH: 275/7
83.6
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, An appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. With only one review remaining, Cummins looks a bit conservative to challenge the on-field decision and after a brief chat with Carey, he decides to obey the umpire's decision. This is on a good length, aiming at the pegs, Nitish Kumar Reddy gets a bit too across and looks to tuck it away but plays over and wears on the front pad.
83.5
1
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, INDIA HAVE AVOIDED THE FOLLOW-ON! This means, Australia will have to come out to bat next. A small psychological win for the tourists, but the Aussies are still well ahead in the game overall. A loud cheer from the Indian spectators at the MCG! Back of a length from Cummins, on the pads, Sundar hops on the back foot and glances it down to deep backward square leg for a single.
83.4
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Closer to the body, on off, Washington Sundar prods forward and goes for a defensive push, gets an inside edge onto the front pad.
83.3
1
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Length-delivery, around off, Nitish taps it off the back foot to backward point and runs a single.
83.2
3
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Good running! Back of a length, from around the stumps, on off, Washington Sundar climbs on the bounce and punches it off the back foot through cover-point. Gets three more runs. Also, the 50-run stand comes up between the two. This stand for the 8th wicket has come in pretty handy for the Indians.
83.1
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Too short and outside off, Sundar leans back and leaves.
83
over
83 | 6 Runs | HH: 270/7
82.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Length ball swinging in down the leg side. Left alone.
82.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Good length, around off, good leave again from Nitish Kumar Reddy.
82.4
2
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Full and on off, pushed firmly down the ground with a straight bat for a couple.
82.3
4
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! A stylish shot to bring up the maiden Test FIFTY for NITISH KUMAR REDDY! The first of many, many more to come for this young man! Width offered by Starc, outside off on a fuller length, Nitish Kumar Reddy plays an expansive lofted cover drive and slaps it through the gap for a cracking boundary. A stellar knock so far and now it will be the test of his temperament of how he extends this into something more substantial.
82.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hard length, right into the corridor of uncertainty, Nitish Kumar Reddy sees the ball closely and leaves it alone.
82.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Back of a length, just whistling away from around off, Nitish Kumar Reddy hangs his bat in the air and makes a close leave.
82
over
82 | 3 Runs | HH: 264/7
81.6
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Outside off on a good length, Sundar leaves it alone.
81.5
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Just a bit fuller and angling on off, from around the stumps, Washington Sundar prods ahead to defend but gets a thick outside edge that lands on the bounce between the gully fielder and the second slip. Marnus Labuschagne at the latter position, dives to his left and makes a good stop.
81.4
3
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Full in length and around off, Nitish Kumar Reddy chips it behind mid off as the ball dribbles towards the fence. Travis Head chases it from mid off and the batters hurry back for the third run.
81.3
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, BEATEN! Just a hint of an away shape on a good length, around the fourth stump line. The ball lands right on the seam and skids through quickly, zipping past the outside edge as Nitish plays for a defensive shot.
81.2
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Slightly full and outside off, Nitish shoulders arms at it.
81.1
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hard length from Cummins as he comes back into the attack. Nitish Kumar Reddy gets on the back foot and punches it to the off side.
81
over
81 | 0 Runs | HH: 261/7
80.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Good length and shaping away from outside off. Sundar shoulders arms at it. A maiden over to begin with the new ball.
80.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Back of a length outside off. Sundar is happy to duck under it.
80.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Full and outside off. Sundar nudges it to short cover.
80.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Oh, what happened there? Was that an opportunity? Yes, it was! That is some weird kind of a shot played by Sundar. A reverse edge or something? But it went flat and low to Steven Smith at the second slip. Fired it down the leg stump line, Washington Sundar looks to work it away to the leg side and loses the grip of his bottom hand from the bat. The ball catches the inside edge and goes flat and low towards the slip cordons. Smith, at the second slip, reacts to it and dives to his right. Even gets his right hand to the ball, but eventually shells it.
80.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, Pitched up full and on off, Sundar pushes it to mid on.
80.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Washington Sundar, A bit of shape in to begin with, full and tailing back in from outside off, Sundar leaves.
The second new ball is available now. And it has been taken straightaway by Australia. Also, a change in bowling as Mitchell Starc is ready with the brand new Kookaburra ball.
80
over
80 | 2 Runs | HH: 261/7
79.6
0
Travis Head to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Floated up around off, Nitish Kumar Reddy pushes it into the cover region.
79.5
0
Travis Head to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Bowled full and on the stumps, Nitish Kumar Reddy brings out the reverse sweep and hits it straight to backward point.
79.4
1
Travis Head to Washington Sundar, Flatter one around middle, tucked away towards mid-wicket for a quick single by Sundar.
79.3
0
Travis Head to Washington Sundar, Flighted up now, a bit slower and around off, Washington Sundar leans on to block but gets a bit of an outside edge along the turf.
79.2
0
Travis Head to Washington Sundar, Tossed up, on a length and on middle and leg, Sundar flicks it away to the leg side and Reddy looks for one but won't get it.
79.1
1
Travis Head to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Flighted up, full and outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy plays the cover drive inside-out and along the turf into the deep for a single.
A lot of chirping going on as Sundar is ambushed by three fielders around him. Also, an interesting stat mentioned by the on-air commentator, Adam Gilchrist, is that 79 overs is the highest number of overs that India has batted in the first innings, since the last seven Test matches.
79
over
79 | 0 Runs | HH: 259/7
78.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Maiden! Nice and full, bowled at a brisk pace as well around middle, Washington Sundar simply blocks it off without any fuss.
78.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, On a slightly dragged length and around off, Sundar presses back a bit and pushes it back out on the deck.
78.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Flighted up on the stumps, Washington Sundar watchfully blocks it off.
78.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, On a good length and outside off, tapped away off the back foot to the fielder at cover-point.
78.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Pulls the length back a bit and gets it to slide on from middle and off, Sundar is quick to hop back and pats it away towards point.
78.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Nice and full on off, getting some dip as well, Sundar lunges forward and makes the block.
78
over
78 | 3 Runs | HH: 259/7
77.6
1
Travis Head to Washington Sundar, Tad short and outside off, Sundar cuts to backward point for a single.
77.5
0
Travis Head to Washington Sundar, Fired in at the stumps, Sundar blocks it off.
77.4
0
Travis Head to Washington Sundar, Nicely flighted, full and around off, eased off the front foot to covers.
77.3
0
Travis Head to Washington Sundar, Flatter one, on a length and on off, Sundar pushes it back to the bowler.
77.2
1
Travis Head to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Darted in on a nagging length on off, turning back in, Nitish Kumar Reddy presses back and punches it down through mid on for a run and goes to 43, his highest Test score.
77.1
1
Travis Head to Washington Sundar, Begins from over the wicket and drops it short over middle and off, Sundar presses back and tucks it in front of mid-wicket for one.
Got hit on the boots in the previous over, Travis Head is back into the attack, replacing Pat Cummins. Probably to make up for the over rate, as Australia is staring at a penalty, running five overs behind. Also, the second new ball for Australia will be available in 3 overs now.
77
over
77 | 3 Runs | HH: 256/7
76.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, This is tossed up on the stumps, Sundar waits well and turns it away in front of square leg for yet another single. These two looking comfortable at the crease now.
76.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Back to around the wicket now and this is pushed across the right-hander, Reddy eases it away square past point and rotates the strike.
76.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, From over the wicket now to the left-hander and this is lobbed up around the pads, Sundar nudges it across to mid-wicket for a run.
76.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Floated up, full and on the stumps, Sundar watchfully blocks it off.
76.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Flighted ball, on a nagging length and around off, Sundar taps it towards Travis Head once again.
76.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, That's got to hurt! Tossed up around off, Washington Sundar leans on and drives it down and the ball crashes into the boot of Travis Head at forward silly point and lobs back up as Lyon catches it.
76
over
76 | 0 Runs | HH: 253/7
75.6
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Goes full and straight, looking to angle one in past bat and pad but Reddy is ready for it and punches it straight back at the bowler who makes a good stop on the followthrough.
75.5
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Another short ball, well-directed over middle and just seaming away a bit, Reddy bends his back and sways out of the line of the ball.
75.4
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pitched-up delivery on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy gets forward and punches it back to the bowler.
75.3
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Goes for the bumper now, bowling it well into the deck and over off, Reddy leans back and just lets the ball sail through to the keeper.
75.2
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, BEATEN! Slips in a full delivery now, in the channel around off and with a hint of away movement, Nitish Kumar Reddy looks to drive on the up but is beaten past the outside edge.
75.1
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, No run there! Back of a length around off, steep bounce again, Reddy hops back and nudges it dow just wide of point looking for one but has to quickly get back.
The conditions have gotten a bit overcast now and some of the floodlights are now glittering over the MCG! Fortunately, nothing is as threatening as of now, and hopefully, it remains the same and the clouds disperse. Such conditions are tailor-made for the pacers to extract some movement. However, the pitch hasn't deteriorated much and is still a good one to bat on. Interesting contest!
75
over
75 | 6 Runs | HH: 253/7
74.6
2
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Edged away! Floated up on a nagging length around off, getting it top dip as well, Sundar is drawn into the drive and gets an outside edge wide of first slip and picks up a brace.
74.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Flatter one, darted in on middle, Reddy rocks back and bunts it out in the off side for a quick single.
74.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Nicely tossed up, on off and not all that full, Sundar leans on and drives it wide of mid off for a quick single. 250 comes up for India as well.
74.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Slightly flighted and on the stumps, Sundar manages to block it off.
74.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Tossed up, fuller and around off, Sundar leans on to defend.
74.1
2
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Lyon continues from the other end and drops it short around off, Washington Sundar presses back and cuts it past point where the two fielders confuse each other and that allows the batters to pick up two runs.
74
over
74 | 3 Runs | HH: 247/7
73.6
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Oh, dear! That's a nasty delivery from Pat Cummins and Nitish Kumar Reddy seems really rattled. Cummins bends his back a bit more and digs it into the deck over middle, getting the ball to jump off the deck, Reddy looks to hop back and fend but gets hit near the front elbow and that will sting for a bit.
73.5
1
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Hard-length delivery, on off and rising all the way, Sundar presses back and pushes it down behind point for a single.
73.4
2
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Slightly back of a length, a bit too straight and Sundar is able to work it away wide of mid on for a couple of handy runs.
73.3
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, On a hard length and around the top of off, angling away, Sundar looks to defend with a straight bat but gets it off the handle and down toward the slip cordon.
73.2
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Well negotiated by Sundar! Dug in even shorter and right around the rib cage area, Sundar hops and nudges it down just past the fielder at short leg.
73.1
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Short of a length delivery to begin with, on a tight line around off as well, Sundar stays back and does well to tuck his hands behind the body and makes a leave.
We are back for the post-Lunch session on Day 3! The umpires are out to the middle and the Australian players take their fielding positions. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar to resume their innings with the bat for India. Pat Cummins has the ball in his hand and it is time to roll. Here we go...
... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...
Right then, India have stumbled their way to 244 runs but need 31 more to avoid a follow-on. Australia on the other hand might not even think about the follow-on and might look to bat on the surface while it still is decent enough for batting. A lot to ponder upon for both sides and it should be an interesting session post-Lunch. Do join us at 7.40 am IST (2.10 am GMT) for all the action.
The Aussie pace duo of skipper Pat Cummins and the MCG 'cult hero' Scott Boland bowled tight lines and lengths to begin the session and didn't give much away to the batters and a bit of an extended spell for Boland did bring about the big wicket of Rishabh Pant. Nathan Lyon then toiled for a bit but eventually got his first wicket of the game. However, since then, Nitish Kumar Reddy has yet again frustrated the Aussies with his fine stroke-making and positive intent and Washington Sundar has given him good company at the other end.
With just 164 runs on the board and half the side back in the hut, the onus was on the pair of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja to come out and get their side out of trouble. The first half an hour or so was fairly comfortable but India weren't able to score freely which Pant then decided to change but instead, he got himself out at a critical juncture. Jadeja simply didn't have much intent of scoring runs or even running hard between the wickets and he too fell, leaving India on the brink.
LUNCH, DAY 3! SESSION SUMMARY - 27 overs, 80 runs and 2 wickets! Another session of Test cricket has flown by and the more this game drags on, the more Australia get their noses out in front but would have hoped to pick up at least one more wicket before Lunch. India on the other hand started the session positively but have lost a couple of key batters and are still in danger of concerning a follow-on.
73
over
73 | 1 Runs | HH: 244/7
72.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A full ball, on the stumps, Nitish Kumar Reddy drills it hard but straight to mid off. And that will be LUNCH ON DAY 3 with India trailing by 230 more runs.
72.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Flattens the trajectory again does Lyon, on leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy tries to slap the ball with a paddle sweep but misses.
72.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Flat and full, on leg, Nitish eases it back to the bowler.
72.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Pushed through quickly, on a fuller length, Washington Sundar turns it to wide of short mid-wicket for a single. Good running.
72.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Dropped fuller and on off, Washington Sundar leans on the ball and blocks it onto the surface near silly point.
72.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Full around off, pushed back firmly to mid off.
72
over
72 | 6 Runs | HH: 243/7
71.6
4
Travis Head to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! Punished! Nitish Kumar Reddy gets into his 40s now! Too full from Head, slightly outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy takes on, charges down the track and spanks it down to the long off fence for a cracking boundary. India needs 32 more runs to avoid the follow-on now.
71.5
0
Travis Head to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Full again, at the stumps, guided away to short third.
71.4
1
Travis Head to Washington Sundar, Full and around off, Sundar works it into the off side for one.
71.3
0
Travis Head to Washington Sundar, Some bit off the track for Head. Pitched full and turns away from outside off, Sundar doesn't poke at it.
71.2
1
Travis Head to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Short of a good length, on top of middle, Nitish rocks back and punches it to cover for a single.
71.1
0
Travis Head to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Travis Head is into the attack now. Starts from around the stumps, drops a length ball, punched back to the bowler by Nitish.
71
over
71 | 5 Runs | HH: 237/7
70.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Dishes out on a fuller length, on middle and off, Washington Sundar is solid in defence and blocks it on the front foot. India still trail by 237 more runs.
70.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pitched further up, but outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy drives it along the ground and inside-out to wide of cover-point for a single.
70.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Drifting down the leg stump, Nitish Kumar Reddy misses to work it into the leg side.
70.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Around the stumps now, with two slips and a silly point in place. Dragged length, around off, Sundar punches it off the back foot and gets a single at deep cover.
70.2
3
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dropped short, outside off from Lyon, Nitish Kumar Reddy hangs back and cuts it well past cover-point for three runs.
70.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Length and outside off. Reddy steps down the track and blocks it to cover.
70
over
70 | 1 Runs | HH: 232/7
69.6
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Short and angled across off, left alone.
69.5
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, EDGED BUT JUST FALLS SHORT AHEAD OF CAREY! A well-directed short-pitched delivery, around off which just takes off from the surface. Washington Sundar rises with the bounce to drop it to the pitch but it keeps nibbling away. Sundar hangs his bat out away from the body and gets a deflection off his gloves. The ball just dips ahead of the keeper where Carey collects it on the bounce.
69.4
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Angled down the leg stump line, on a shortish length. Sundar gets inside the line and tries to glance it off the hips but misses.
69.3
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Outside off and short of a good length again. Sundar arches back and makes the leave.
69.2
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Around the stumps now. Length ball, outside off, Sundar leaves this harmless delivery.
69.1
1
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, At 136.6, Cummins bowls it full and around off, Nitish gets on the front foot and knocks it wide of cover for a single. Starc does well to chase it behind with a slide to keep it to just a single.
69
over
69 | 2 Runs | HH: 231/7
68.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Solid from Nitish! Pitched on the leg stump line, on a fullish length, Nitish Kumar Reddy takes his front foot out and turns it along the spin towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
68.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, This is full again, around off, Washington Sundar drills it down the ground to long off for a single.
68.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, At the stumps, teasing the off-pole, on a fuller length, Sundar hits it to the right of the bowler.
68.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Pushed through, slow and lopped up, on off, eased back to the bowler.
68.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Slows it up, full and around off, Sundar strides across and taps it to the right of the silly point fielder.
68.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Pitched fuller, on middle and leg, Sundar knocks it in front of mid off.
68
over
68 | 0 Runs | HH: 229/7
67.6
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A barrage of short balls from Cummins! He changes the angle of attack and steams in from around the stumps. Keeps it short and sharp at the batter. Nitish Kumar Reddy sways out of the line and lets it sail through to the keeper. Good interrogating over from the Aussie skipper.
67.5
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Straight and full this time around, on the stumps, Nitish Kumar Reddy defends it out watchfully.
67.4
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, This time Nitish charges to this short delivery, but Cummins angles it down the leg stump line.
67.3
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Oh, a nasty bumper from Cummins! He bends his back and bowls an effort ball, into the surface, short and attacking the bodyline of the batter. Nitish Kumar Reddy arches back, drops his wrists and just gets his head out of the ball's line to let it pass.
67.2
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hard length, skidding through quickly to the batter, at off, Reddy camps back and blocks it to the short cover region.
67.1
0
Pat Cummins to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hurls it full at 135.8 kph, around off, Nitish prods half-forward and keeps it out.
67
over
67 | 7 Runs | HH: 229/7
66.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Loops it up, full on the middle stump. Sundar defends it in front off the splice.
66.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Much fuller and on off, Sundar defends it near the silly point fielder.
66.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Nice and full, pushed through on off, Sundar pushes it back to the bowler.
66.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Length ball and this is worked into the leg side for a quick single.
66.2
6
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, SIX! Beautiful use of his feet! Nitish takes on Lyon! Dropped fuller and in front of the sticks. Nitish Kumar Reddy dances down to the pitch of the ball and with no intention to keep it down, he tonks it over the bowler's head for a six.
66.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Drifting on off, and full in length, Nitish drives it inside-out but straight to cover.
66
over
66 | 0 Runs | HH: 222/7
65.6
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, A maiden over for the Aussie skipper in his new spell. Hard length, over the top of the stumps, Sundar gets on the toes and taps it on the surface.
65.5
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Good length and outside the off stump. Sundar blocks it to short cover.
65.4
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Short around the off stump, Sundar stands tall and drops it in the off side.
65.3
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Nagging length, around off, Washington Sundar plays with a straight bat, but gets a thick inside edge to the leg gully fielder on the bounce.
65.2
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Skids through the surface, on a length, around off, Washington Sundar guides it to the slip cordons.
65.1
0
Pat Cummins to Washington Sundar, Back of a length and outside off from Cummins as he comes back into the attack. Sundar leaves this alone.
65
over
65 | 2 Runs | HH: 222/7
64.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Washington Sundar, Off the mark is Sundar! Nice and full, pushed through on off, Sundar strides across and taps it with soft hands. Gets a single at the cover-point region.
Washington Sundar is in next.
64.5
W
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, OUT! LBW! A loud confident appeal for LBW and the umpire raises the finger. Nathan Lyon wins the battle here! However, Jadeja has reviewed it. But it looks pretty much straight on! Lyon stays around the stumps and dishes out on a flatter trajectory. It lands on a good length and skids through very quickly. Ravindra Jadeja is hurried with the pace and also finds himself cramped up for room. He tries to take his front foot out of the way to work it across the line but plays all over it, and wears it on the front pad. No bat is involved on the UltraEdge and the Ball Tracking shows that it is the umpire's call as the ball is clipping the top of the pegs. A little resistant knock from Jadeja comes to an end. India in all sorts of trouble now with 7 men down, still trailing by 253 runs. India needs 54 runs to avoid the follow-on.
64.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Flat and quick, around off, Jadeja quickly rocks back and cuts it straight to backward point.
64.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Quicker through the air, on the leg stump, Nitish Kumar Reddy steers this length ball to deep square leg for a single.
64.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Outside leg again, on a fuller length, a foot ahead from the previous ball, Nitish turns it across to the leg gully region.
64.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Around the wicket continues Lyon. Length ball, on leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy hangs back and punches it to mid on.
64
over
64 | 6 Runs | HH: 220/6
63.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length, just outside off, Ravindra Jadeja shows no interest and lets it be.
63.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ravindra Jadeja, Short and on the off-pole, Ravindra Jadeja sits underneath it and the ball sails through to the keeper.
63.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ravindra Jadeja, Straight and full, around the fourth stump line, Ravindra Jadeja prods forward and presents a solid front foot block.
63.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Slanting it with the angle, on middle and on a length, Nitish hops on the back foot and tucks it across to wide of mid-wicket for a single.
63.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length, on the pads, Jadeja glances off the hips to deep backward square leg for a single.
63.1
4
Mitchell Starc to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! Flicked away neatly! Starc bowls it fuller and aims the pegs, Ravindra Jadeja plays it across. He brings the bat in front of the pads, and flicks it along the ground to get a boundary at deep mid-wicket. The fielder from the inner ring does the hard yards but the ball has enough wheels on it to breach into the fence.
63
over
63 | 0 Runs | HH: 214/6
62.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Another maiden over by 'Garry'! Full on the stumps. Reddy gets ahead, and steers it to short mid-wicket.
62.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Flat and quick, drifting across off, Nitish Kumar Reddy weighs on the back foot and gets a thick outside edge which rolls in front of backward point. The slip fielder scoots forward and stops the ball.
62.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pitched up, fuller and on middle, Nitish takes a huge stride out and pushes it gently back to the bowler.
62.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pitched outside leg, on a length, Nitish hangs back and eases it to the short leg fielder.
62.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dragged length, on the pads, Nitish goes back and across and tucks it with soft hands to the leg side.
62.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Flat and full, on the leg stump line, Nitish Kumar Reddy charges down the pitch and stabs it onto the surface.
62
over
62 | 1 Runs | HH: 214/6
61.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Nagging length, over the top of the middle at 139 clicks, Nitish Kumar Reddy gets behind the line and eases it to the wide of backward point fielder for a single. India trail by 260 more runs.
61.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Straight on and fuller on the stumps, Nitish Kumar Reddy presents a solid front foot block.
61.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Bowled from wide of the crease, on a hard length, angling on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy plays it closer to the body and from the crease, blocks it out.
61.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Swing and a miss! Banged in short now, angling over the leg stump. Nitish Kumar Reddy gets inside the line and tries the hook shot but it goes well above the bat.
61.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hits the deck hard and brings the stumps into play does Starc. Nitish Kumar Reddy calmly tucks it across to the short mid-wicket region.
61.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hard length outside off, left alone by Reddy.
61
over
61 | 3 Runs | HH: 213/6
60.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Looped up, full and around off, Jadeja strides across and blocks it in front.
60.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pushed through, full and on off, Nitish leans ahead with a good stride and works it to long on for a single.
60.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tossed up on leg stump. Reddy flicks it to the right of short leg.
60.3
2
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Oh, some intent now! Lyon drifts it on the off-stump line, and keeps the length full. Nitish Kumar Reddy dances down the ground and swings hard at it. Gets an outside edge which runs past short third for a couple.
60.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Nice and full, floated up on the stumps, defended nicely by Nitish.
60.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Around the stumps, on a length, in front of the middle, Nitish goes back and across and keeps it out.
60
over
60 | 5 Runs | HH: 210/6
59.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tap and run! Good technique by the youngster. Length and on the body, tucked away into the leg side by Nitish for a single.
59.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Ravindra Jadeja, A direct hit from Cummins, but Jadeja is well home! But, this has been some nervy running from the Indians overall. On a length, on the stumps, Jadeja works it to pierce the mid on region, and hits it through, and just steams off to get to the other end. Cummins does well again as he intercepts the ball by diving to his right and throws it in motion, scoring a direct hit at the bowler's end. However, Jadeja is safe as the replays confirm it.
59.4
3
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Lovely shot down the ground! He has played some eye-catching strokes already has Nitish! Starc hurls it fuller and around off, Nitish Kumar Reddy leans onto the ball, plays it with a straight bat and drives it past mid off. The ball slows down just before the ropes and is chased by Cummins from the inner ring. Three taken.
59.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fuller and fairly outside off, Reddy lets it be.
59.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Slightly closer to the off-pole, but still outside off, on a good length, Nitish Kumar Reddy checks the ball and makes a sharp leave.
59.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Around the wickets, on a good length, outside off, Reddy shoulders arms at it.
59
over
59 | 2 Runs | HH: 205/6
58.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Pitched up, fuller and in front of the stumps, Jadeja strides out and defends it back to the bowler.
58.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Nice and full, drifting on the stumps, Jadeja leans on and defends it out.
58.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Drifting around off, on a length, Nitish Kumar Reddy rocks back and eases it to the off side.
58.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Had to hurry there! On middle, on the length, Jadeja rocks back and tucks it across to square leg and rushes to the other end for the single.
58.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Dragged length, on off, Jadeja cuts it away to backward point.
58.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Nice and full, on off, defended back to the bowler.
Drinks! An entertaining first hour of this third day! Despite India losing just a solitary wicket, Australia would be the happier side of the two as they have gotten rid of the adventurous Rishabh Pant. Ravindra Jadeja has looked good until now and would like to construct a solid stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy. Scott Boland is having another good day in business with the ball and has bowled really well. With India still trailing by 271 more runs, Australia will be keen to get a few more wickets before the end of the session.
58
over
58 | 4 Runs | HH: 203/6
57.6
4
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! A bit streaky but will do for Nitish Kumar Reddy and the 200 is also up for India. Full and wide one, dished out beyond the fifth stump line and Reddy goes for the expansive drive. The ball goes off the outer half of the blade and flies wide of gully for a boundary.
57.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hard length, angled back in from well wide of the off stump line, Reddy watches it well and makes another comfortable leave.
57.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Banged in short now and in the channel around off, shotting off the deck, Reddy shoulders arms.
57.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Lovely use of the angle this time around by Starc. Nagging length around off, bowled from wider on the crease and pushed back in towards the right-hander. Nitish Kumar Reddy is caught fending off the back foot and the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
57.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A bit more round-arm from Starc and again a fair bit wide of the off stump line, on a good length as well and Reddy just watches it go past him and through to the keeper.
57.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Begins from around the wicket, bowling it seam up and on the shorter side, wide of the off stump line, Reddy shoulders arms at it.
Mitchell Starc (13-0-48-0) is into the attack now for the first time today. He replaces Scott Boland.
57
over
57 | 7 Runs | HH: 199/6
56.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Nagging length, pushed across to the off side, Reddy stays back and pats the ball down in front of covers for an easy single.
56.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Flatter trajectory, darted onto the stumps, Reddy plays it from the crease and nudges it onto the leg side.
56.4
4
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! Quality stroke from Nitish Kumar Reddy. Floated up a bit and around off, Reddy makes a bit of room leg side and punches it with a straight bat and to the right of mid off for his first boundary of the game.
56.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Fullish length now from Lyon, sliding into middle and leg, Jadeja strides in and clips it behind square leg for a single.
56.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Speared in full and onto off and middle, Jadeja gets onto the front foot and jams it out a bit towards the bowler.
56.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Flatter one, pushed across off on a nagging length, Reddy goes back in his crease and opens the bat face to push it wide of covers for a single.
56
over
56 | 3 Runs | HH: 192/6
55.6
1
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A smidge fuller and angled into the stumps, Reddy clips it away wide of mid on and sets off for the single but once again Jadeja is a bit hesitant. However, they get across with ease in the end.
55.5
0
Scott Boland to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Back to over the wicket to the right-hander and bowled on a good length around the top of off, Nitish Kumar Reddy leans on a bit and blocks it off.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is in at number 8.
55.4
W
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, OUT! CAUGHT! Another brain fade moment from India and in the quest to break the shackles, Rishabh Pant has thrown his wicket away. Scott Boland switches to around the wicket and bowls it full and outside off, Pant walks across the off stump and attempts the lap as he falls down yet again and the ball gets skewed up high towards deep third. Nathan Lyon is placed fine over there and the ball travels straight to him and he makes no error. Pant departs for 28 (37) and India now 191/6, trailing by 283 runs.
55.3
0
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, Ouch, that must have hurt and Rishabh Pant is down on his haunches! Hard-length delivery, angled across off stump, Pant gets across to the off side and looks to fetch and pull this over fine leg but misses and gets hit just above the groin region.
55.2
0
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, A well-directed short ball now from Boland, just over middle and leg, coming at an awkward height and Pant bends his back to leave it alone.
55.1
2
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, Not in complete control but good enough! Short of a length, angled across from around off, Pant stays back and pushes at it, getting it off the outer half of the blade and through the gully region for a brace.
Double change? Nope, Boland to continue. Still no signs of Starc.
55
over
55 | 3 Runs | HH: 189/5
54.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, On a length again and angled back in from around off, Jadeja presses back to defend.
54.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Flatter one, on a good length and on off, Jadeja presses back a bit and taps it to Travis Head at silly point.
54.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Oh, the one that goes straight on with the arm and there's a huge appeal for LBW but it is turned down. Lyon drifts it onto middle and leg, on a nagging length and gets the ball to slide back on, Jadeja gets pegged back and caught on the crease ending up playing all over it and getting pinged on the pads. No review taken.
54.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Ravindra Jadeja, Oh, Ravindra Jadeja almost yorked himself there! Floated up delivery, drifted into the pads and quite full as well, Jadeja leans on and looks to flick but gets an inside edge off the pads and the ball just lobs up back onto the deck, out of silly point's reach.
54.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Rishabh Pant, Just too short again from Lyon and over middle, Pant half-pulls it off the back foot and gets it in front of mid-wicket, looking for two again but it will be just a single this time around.
54.1
2
Nathan Lyon to Rishabh Pant, Begins with a short ball from around the stumps and angles it into the left-hander, Pant rocks back and whips it away well in front of short leg and picks up a couple of runs in the deep.
Nathan Lyon (5-1-18-0) is into the attack now. He replaces Pat Cummins.
54
over
54 | 4 Runs | HH: 186/5
53.6
4
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! Spoils a good over with a loose delivery and that will make Jadeja will at ease. Fullish length on leg, pushing it down, Jadeja gets inside the line and flicks it fine and the ball races away into the fine leg fence.
53.5
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Good-length delivery, again served in the channel around off, Jadeja shoulders arms at it yet again as well.
53.4
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Around the stumps and served on that in-between length around off, angling it in, Jadeja looks to block with soft hands but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
53.3
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length around the top of off, excellent bounce and carry this time as Jadeja presses back to make another leave.
53.2
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Another tight leave from Jadeja! Good length on off, threatening to shape back in and just bounces over the stumps as Jadeja leaves it alone.
53.1
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Slightly full and on a tight line around off, just nibbling away, Jadeja makes a watchful leave.
53
over
53 | 2 Runs | HH: 182/5
52.6
0
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, That would have been catastrophic and just like Jadeja, it is a run out scare for Rishabh Pant now. Pitched-up delivery on off, Pant strides out and pushes it gently to mid off before setting off for the single but is sent back halfway down the track by Jadeja and thankfully for India, Pant is able to get back in time.
52.5
1
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Just back of a length and over middle and leg, Jadeja hops and tucks it away in front of square leg and turns the strike over.
52.4
0
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Over the wicket again and slanting it across the off stump line on a good length, good carry on this one as Jadeja shoulders arms.
52.3
1
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, Dug in short from around the wicket and over off, Pant stays on top of the bounce and swivels to pull it down to a deepsih square leg for a single.
52.2
0
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, Immaculate length, hurled onto off and middle, Pant stays compact and solidly blocks it off.
52.1
0
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, Nice and full, angled across the off stump line, Rishabh Pant gets a good stride in and nails the cover drive but can't beat the fielder at covers.
52
over
52 | 5 Runs | HH: 180/5
51.6
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Back to around the wicket now to Jadeja and this is bowled fuller, and attacking the stumps by angling it in, blocked off by Jadeja with soft hands.
51.5
1
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, Looking for two but won't get it! Just short of a length and around middle, Pant presses back and pushes it down well in front of mid-wicket for a single.
51.4
0
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, Boland comes from over the wicket now and angles it across on a good length, Pant leaves it alone.
51.3
0
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, Short ball over leg and just angling down, an easy duck for Pant to make.
51.2
0
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, On a hard length and around off, Pant stays back in his crease and blocks it off.
51.1
4
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Top shot from Rishabh! Short of a length and angled in from around off, Pant picks up the length early and just stays put before pulling it flat and just in front of square for a welcome boundary.
51
over
51 | 1 Runs | HH: 175/5
50.6
0
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Back to over the wicket and bowls on a hard length over the stumps, Jadeja blocks it off from his crease.
50.5
0
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Ooh, a snorter of a delivery from Cummins! Another well-directed short ball, over off and middle and right at the batter, also nibbling away a bit late, Jadeja does well to bend his back and sway away from the line of the ball.
50.4
0
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Pitched-up delivery around off, angled in from wider on the crease, Jadeja gets across to cover the line and makes a block.
50.3
0
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Around the wicket now and digs in a well-directed bumper, over off and angling in at a good height, Jadeja ducks under it well.
50.2
0
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Shorter in length and around off, Jadeja gets up on his toes and plays it with an angled bat down in front of mid on.
50.1
1
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, Short of a good length, angling it across off, Pant nudges it away wide of point and picks up a quick single, good running.
50
over
50 | 1 Runs | HH: 174/5
49.6
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length and around off, on the shorter side and cutting back in at an awkward height for the batter. Jadeja does well to hop back and keep it down.
49.5
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Good length in the channel around off, nibbling away, Jadeja plays it late and with soft hands towards backward point.
49.4
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Surely not again for India, right? Jadeja does escape the run out scare but that was absolutely unnecessary. Bowled full and around off, Jadeja eases it to mid off and starts running for the single as Pant lets out a huge call of 'no' and Jadeja quickly scampers back to the keeper's end.
49.3
1
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, Oh, that was an awkward one for Rishabh Pant but he manages to escape. Back of a length and angled across off, extra bounce on this occasion, Pant hangs back and plays away from the body, dabbing it down and in between second slip and wide slip for a single down to deep third.
49.2
0
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, Just back of a length and on a tight line around off, Pant hops right back and gets behind the line to make the block.
49.1
0
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, Pitched up in the channel around off and at a gentle pace, Pant shoulders arms as the ball dies on its way to the keeper.
49
over
49 | 5 Runs | HH: 173/5
48.6
0
Pat Cummins to Ravindra Jadeja, Around the wicket now to Jadeja and hurls it on a good length, trying to angle it back into the top of off. Jadeja solidly blocks it off.
48.5
1
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, Short ball now at the bodyline, Pant gets inside the line of the ball and angles it down to long leg for a single.
48.4
0
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, Another one that is banged into the deck and around off, shooting off the deck, a much more comfortable leave for Pant this time.
48.3
0
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, Goes full now and keeps it around off, Pant pushes it out to covers.
48.2
0
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, A huge appeal for caught behind, especially from behind the stumps and Alex Carey is certain that this is out. The umpire says no though and Pat Cummins has reviewed it. Cummins bangs the ball into the deck and keeps the line tight around off, getting it to shoot off the deck as well. Pant is in an awkward position and tries to lift his hands up and leave. The replays show that the ball just flicked Pant's jersey and it will be a review lost for Australia.
48.1
4
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! That's just classic Rishabh Pant, throwing caution to the wind. Hard length in the channel around off, Pant advances whilst making some room and thrashes the ball away wide of long on for a boundary.
48
over
48 | 0 Runs | HH: 168/5
47.6
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Back to around the wicket for the final ball and it will be another dot, maiden for Boland to begin with. Good length in the channel around off, angled in but seaming away off the deck, Jadeja makes an assured leave.
47.5
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length and over the stumps, Jadeja presses back on his toes and blocks it down into the deck.
47.4
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Switches to around the stumps now and bowls it on a nagging length, slanting it across the left-hander, Jadeja looks to push at it but ends up pulling out of the shot.
47.3
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Again its full and on off, Jadeja gets a good stride in and pushes it away with gentle hands into the off side.
47.2
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, A tad fuller now and on off again, Jadeja gets onto the front foot this time and blocks it off.
47.1
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, On the money to begin with! Comes from around the wicket and chips away at that nagging length, getting the ball to slide back in from off, Ravindra Jadeja is a bit late on the shot but manages to block it off the inner part of the blade to mid on.
Scott Boland (12-3-24-2) to operate from the far end.
47
over
47 | 4 Runs | HH: 168/5
46.6
0
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, One more leave to end the first over of the day. Good-length delivery around the fifth stump line, going straight on, left alone by Pant.
46.5
0
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, Dug in on a hard length and in the channel around off, left alone by Pant.
46.4
4
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Streaky but Rishabh Pant won't mind and first runs of the day as well. Floated up full and angled across off, Pant leans across to block with soft hands and gets an outside edge that goes down and in between second and a wide slip for a boundary.
46.3
0
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, Nicely bowled! A smidge fuller and on off, gets the ball to seam across the left-hander, Pant leans on to block but the ball zips past the outside edge.
46.2
0
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, Serves it on a good length and attacks the off and middle stump line, Pant solidly blocks it off the front foot.
46.1
0
Pat Cummins to Rishabh Pant, A leave to start Day 3! Bowled from over the wicket and sliding across the left-hander on a fuller length, Rishabh Pant shoulders arms as the ball dies on its way to the keeper.
All in readiness for Day 3 to commence here at the MCG! The sun is out and it's a bright day out there. Not quite sure if it is bright for the Indians as they trail by 310 runs with just 5 wickets in hand. The crowd is building up gradually and as many as 70,000-odd spectators are expected to show up today. The umpires take their positions and the Australian players spread out to the field as well. The overnight Indian batting pair of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant walk out to the crease. Pat Cummins to kick off the proceedings. And of we go...
The MCG pitch is gradually showing its teeth, with some grip for the spinners and the odd one taking off from the surface, setting up a fascinating battle between Australia's relentless pacers and India's remaining batting arsenal. Will the deteriorating surface amplify the bowlers' threat, or can India's middle and lower order display enough grit to stave off the follow-on? The Australian camp, sensing blood in the water, will be gunning to dismantle the Indian batting lineup before they can mount any semblance of resistance. There's plenty of time left with nine entire sessions of play still remaining. With all said, another immersive day of cricket awaits us. The first ball coming your way in just a few moments. Stay tuned.
Despite a batting-friendly surface, India failed to capitalize on two crucial fronts. Their conservative approach with the new ball lacked support for Bumrah. While their batting performance was marred by an inability to build a partnership of substance that could have seized control of the game. Although the ball showed signs of occasional grip and turn for spinners and some extra bounce for pacers, it was minimally troublesome. In that regard, the Aussies played their cards well. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland in particular have done the most with the ball.
India's top-order struggles continued to haunt them, with even captain Rohit Sharma's return to his customary opening slot failing to provide the desired impact. While Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli temporarily steadied the innings, a ‘schoolboy error’ kind of a run-out, followed by Kohli yet again prodding and nicking at an outside off delivery sparked a dramatic batting collapse. What had initially seemed like an evenly poised contest quickly tilted away from India, and has left them facing a significant first-innings deficit.
The second day was largely dominated by Australia with both bat and ball. It was Steven Smith’s sublime batting that really turned the screws on India with a match-defining hundred. He got valuable support from the tailenders as well which further extended the scoreline. Sure, Jadeja and Bumrah struck back late with some inspired bowling to trigger a collapse, Australia had already built their stronghold by then.
Hello, everyone! It’s Super Saturday coupled with the Boxing Day Test which is progressing at its full tilt, and the fans are surely going to be treated to some extraordinary cricket this weekend. On that note, we welcome you all joining us for the coverage of Day 3 of this fourth Test at the iconic MCG. With the way things have panned out so far in the first two days, Australia finds itself in a commanding position winning four out of six sessions played, while India is seeking for a miraculous comeback.
... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test is done and dusted and the game has moved along nicely. But next up is Day 3, also known as the moving day and given how the game is currently stacked up, we could well get a clear picture of the end result by the end of Day 3. Do join us on Saturday, 28 December at 5 am IST (11.30 pm GMT, the previous day) for all the action. However, you can tune-in an hour in advance as well for the build-up. Cheers!
Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia, is up for a quick chat with the broadcasters. He begins by saying that Steven Smith batter really well this morning and is delighted to get those late wickets towards the end of the day. On his ball to dismiss KL Rahul, he says he wishes he could do it every ball but happens very rarely. Is happy with the way he and the others bowled. Mentions that India were looking solid with that 100-run stand between Kohli and Jaiswal. Also says that a wicket anytime is handy and Jaiswal's wicket really gave them a little opening. Ends up appreciating Scott Boland and says that he is awesome every time he comes into the side.
Earlier in the day, Steven Smith and Pat Cummins put on a show in the first session as Smith went on to notch up the 34th Test ton and his 11th against India, overtaking Kohli as the most tons scored in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia seemed to cross 500 runs but India did manage to clean up the tail post-Lunch and had a large part of the afternoon session to bat which they didn't quite make the most use of as Cummins set things up for the hosts with the ball as well.
The Australian bowlers watched by for a large part of that final session as Jaiswal and Kohli put on a 100-run stand for the third wicket. However, a brain fade moment between Jaiswal and Kohli resulted in an unnecessary run out and Jaiswal had to walk back 18 short of what would have been a stellar ton. Kohli then had that moment in the back of his mind and lost concentration as he went chasing after a wide one from Scott Boland and got out in the next over himself. It got even better for Australia as Boland managed to send the nightwatchman, Akash Deep back in the penultimate over of the day, leaving India in a huge spot of bother.
India had a big ask ahead of themselves with Australia putting 474 runs on the board and then they lost their skipper, Rohit Sharma pretty early on as well. KL Rahul looked at ease yet again but got a beauty from Cummins on the stroke of Tea which pegged India back. However, post the Tea break, the pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli came out and steadied the ship before really playing some confident strokes.
Wow, what an end to Day 2 and with about 20 or so minutes left in the day, it all seemed pretty even but heading into Day 3, Australia have a firm grip on the game. India are 164/5 and still trail by 310 runs. As many as 113 runs and 3 wickets fell in that final session as 31 overs were also bowled and Australia will feel very pleased with how everything panned out.
46
over
46 | 5 Runs | HH: 164/5
45.6
4
Mitchell Starc to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! A lovely shot from Jadeja to close out the day! Starc goes for a yorker but ends up bowling it a bit fuller and gets a shape into the batter, on middle and leg, Ravindra Jadeja clips it behind the square and gets a boundary at the vacant deep backward square leg region. With that, it will be STUMPS ON DAY 2!
45.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ravindra Jadeja, On that in-between length, just outside off, Jadeja leans back and lets it pass.
45.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ravindra Jadeja, Starc fires in a yorker at the boots with a tail back into the batter, Ravindra Jadeja does well to jam his bat and flick it to mid-wicket.
45.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ravindra Jadeja, Outside off on a fullish length, with a shape away from the batter. Jadeja leaves it alone.
45.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Rishabh Pant, On a hard length around off. Pant works it in front of short cover and fetches a single.
45.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Rishabh Pant, Good length outside off. Pant shoulders arms at it.
45
over
45 | 1 Runs | HH: 159/5
44.6
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Oh, just doesn't carry! Australia smelling blood now and they have troubled the batters badly in the last few overs or so! Boland bashes the hard length around off. It just shapes away a shy bit. Jadeja feels for it and plays it away from his body and gets an outside edge that falls short of third slip.
44.5
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Length ball on the leg stump. Jadeja misses to flick and gets beaten on inside edge.
44.4
0
Scott Boland to Ravindra Jadeja, Back of a length on the middle and off. Jadeja hops back to block, and gets an inside edge onto the thigh pads.
Ravindra Jadeja comes out to bat at number 7.
44.3
W
Scott Boland to Akash Deep, OUT! INSIDE EDGE AND TAKEN! Boland does it again and things are now going scaringly wrong for India as they are half side down. Brilliant tactics and execution from Boland as he bangs it hard into the surface, coming from around the wickets. It skids and hurries the batter into the shot with the line of attack on the middle stump. Akash Deep is caught searching for room and just brings his bat in front to negotiate it. Plays over the line and gets a thick inside edge which thuds onto his pads. It then lobs off the thigh pad and goes towards the leg gully. Nathan Lyon dives forward and takes a good sharp catch, just above the grass.
44.2
0
Scott Boland to Akash Deep, Aims the sticks does Boland, on a good length, Akash Deep lets the ball come at him and defends it out.
44.1
1
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, Across off on a fuller length, Rishabh Pant takes a good stride forward and knocks it into the corner at covers for a single.
44
over
44 | 3 Runs | HH: 158/4
43.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Akash Deep, A huge shout for LBW but the umpire Joel Wilson shakes his head. This is on a fuller than a good length, attacking the stumps. Akash Deep is caught searching for room and plays all over it before wearing on the thigh pad. Probably the impact is outside off.
43.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Akash Deep, Beaten! A snorter of a delivery from Starc! A fraction fuller ball, nipping back in a touch from outside off, Akash Deep pushes at it from inside the line and gets beaten on the outside edge.
43.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Akash Deep, Length-delivery, angling on top of middle, Akash Deep camps back and punches it on the pitch with soft hands.
43.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Rishabh Pant, Fuller in length and on middle and leg. Pant works it across to wide of mid-wicket for a single.
43.2
2
Mitchell Starc to Rishabh Pant, Full and on the pads, flicked away to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs by Pant.
43.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Rishabh Pant, Almost a half-tracker, nibbling back into the batter from outside off, Pant makes a sharp leave.
43
over
43 | 1 Runs | HH: 155/4
42.6
0
Scott Boland to Akash Deep, Nice and straight, full on middle, Akash Deep prods ahead and blocks it out in front.
42.5
0
Scott Boland to Akash Deep, And again! A bit of shape away from the batter, on a length outside off, Akash Deep plays down the wrong line and the ball zips past the outside edge.
42.4
0
Scott Boland to Akash Deep, Good probing length outside off.  Akash Deep feels for it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
42.3
0
Scott Boland to Akash Deep, Full and straight on off, Akash brings his bat straight down and pushes it back to Boland.
42.2
1
Scott Boland to Rishabh Pant, Pant gets off the mark now! Length ball on the middle and off. Pant nudges it to the left of mid-wicket for a single.
Rishabh Pant walks in with India in a spot of bother.
42.1
W
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Back-to-back blows for India and Kohli's vulnerability comes back to haunt him again! Boland bashes the hard length, invites the batter on the front foot, and keeps the line of attack on the fourth and fifth stump line. It lands and gets a bit of an extra bounce off the deck, also slightly nibbling away from the batter. Virat Kohli couldn't resist poking at it and goes for a defensive push, but he ends up playing inside the line of the ball. A faint outside edge is found and the keeper, Alex Carey does the rest behind the stumps. Virat Kohli departs on 36 and India has now lost both set batters in the span of just a few deliveries and Australia has made a roaring strikeback.
42
over
42 | 1 Runs | HH: 154/3
41.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Akash Deep, Around the wickets now, slants it across the middle and leg stump line, on a length, Akash Deep hops on the back foot and bunts it onto the surface.
41.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Akash Deep, Short and on top of middle and leg, Akash gets on the toes and drops it to the pitch with soft hands.
41.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Akash Deep, Full and outside off, Akash Deep has a poke at it and plays it away from the body. Gets an outside edge but it doesn't carry to Smith at second slip.
41.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Akash Deep, Full and wide of off. Akash Deep leaves it alone to the keeper.
41.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Back of a length outside off. Kohli punches it to point and goes through for a single.
41.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Good length on off stump. Kohli hangs back and punches it to short cover.
Akash Deep has been sent in as the night watchman.
41
over
41 | 5 Runs | HH: 153/3
40.6
W
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, OUT! RUN OUT! Dear, oh dear! A terrible, terrible mix-up between the batters and Jaiswal has to walk back to the pavilion. Boland bowls it full and attacks the stumps, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets on the front foot and flicks it straight to mid on. Jaiswal is eager for the run and seeing Virat Kohli take a few steps ahead, Jaiswal rushes towards the other end, but Kohli turns around and is ball-watching and not seeing his partner. Cummins on the other hand, picks and throws at the striker's end. Meanwhile, Jaiswal is almost at the non-striker's end and has no time at all to retreat back and finds himself stranded. Carey collects the ball and runs towards the wickets and dislodges the bails. Yashasvi Jaiswal departs on 82 and India lose their third wicket at a very crucial time.
40.5
4
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! The 100-run stand comes up between Jaiswal and Kohli, in 158 deliveries. Jaiswal, now moves into his 80s with this! Boland runs from around the stumps and lands it on a good length, keeping it outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets a good bounce on a comfortable height and cuts it behind square for a boundary at deep backward point.
40.4
1
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, Angling onto the pads on a good length, Virat Kohli misses to glance it away and wears on the thigh pad. The ball deflects off the thigh pad and rolls to the wide of square leg. They cross for a leg bye.
40.3
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, This goes straight and full, on off, Virat Kohli prods forward, meets the ball under his eyes and defends it solidly.
40.2
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, Just nearly sneaked through. On off, with a bit of a curve back in, Virat Kohli plays over the line and gets a thick inside edge onto the front pad.
40.1
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, Slightly fuller than a good length, on off, Virat Kohli gets across and flicks it to mid-wicket, where the fielder stops it on the dive to his left.
40
over
40 | 6 Runs | HH: 148/2
39.6
0
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pitched on a fraction fuller length, just outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal strides across and responds with a watchful front foot block to the cover region. Quite an eventful over this!
39.5
0
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Slants across off on a length, Yashasvi Jaiswal offers no shot.
39.4
0
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nice and full on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal presses forward and blocks it right under the bat.
39.3
0
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Full around off, Jaiswal works the drive to mid on.
39.2
0
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A huge confident appeal for LBW from Carey and Marsh, but the umpire shakes his head. Cummins sprints towards them and has a brief chat before going upstairs. This is pitched on a good length, right in front of the pegs. It does stay low on the bounce a bit and goes straight on. Yashasvi Jaiswal gets trapped in front. He weighs on the back foot and looks to work it across the line as the ball sneaks through the inside edge and hits him on the thigh pad. UltraEdge shows no bat involved but the Ball Tracking confirms that the ball has marginally pitched outside leg. NOT OUT! Australia burn a review, but it was a very close call.
39.1
6
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, SIX! Hammered into the stands! A huge hit! Marsh bowls a genuine half-volley on the off stump, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets the front foot out of the way, swings hard through the line and deposits it behind long on for a six.
39
over
39 | 3 Runs | HH: 142/2
38.6
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, Another leave from Virat! Boland bowls to Kohli's vulnerable area, just on that fourth and fifth stump line, on a fullish length. Virat Kohli sees the ball very closely and decides to hang his bat in the air to make the leave.
38.5
1
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Length, outside off, Jaiswal stays over the ball and punches it off the back foot to deep point for one.
38.4
1
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, A muted appeal for LBW but the umpire shows no interest. This is full and nips back in sharply off the surface. Virat Kohli prods ahead and plays over the line, gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball then rolls to the square leg region for a single.
38.3
1
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Back of a length, on the fourth stump, Jaiswal plays it late and guides it to deep backward point for a quick single.
38.2
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pitched up, full and on the middle, Yashasvi Jaiswal stays leg side of the ball and creates some room before pushing it to mid on.
38.1
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Scott Boland replaces Pat Cummins now. A fraction fuller delivery, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal takes a good stride out and defends it out with a straight bat.
38
over
38 | 5 Runs | HH: 139/2
37.6
0
Mitchell Marsh to Virat Kohli, Marsh gets the ball to tail back into the right-hander, full and on middle, Virat Kohli plays it closer to the body and blocks it out on the front foot. India trail by 335 runs now as this stand for the third wicket grows to 88 runs.
37.5
0
Mitchell Marsh to Virat Kohli, Sprays it down leg on a fullish length, Kohli gets a bit too across on the flick and misses.
37.4
0
Mitchell Marsh to Virat Kohli, Good length, outside the off stump. Kohli blocks it to cover.
37.3
1
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Should have been two, but just a single there! Hard length, outside off, Jaiswal cuts it past backward point for a single. Kohli runs the first one hard and looks to sneak the second run, but Jaiswal and denies.
37.2
4
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, EDGED AND FOUR! A bit of luck for Jaiswal and he gets away with it. Touch full and around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal prods forward to defend but plays inside the line and gets a thick healthy outside edge which runs between the first slip and the gully fielder for a boundary.
37.1
0
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Short and outside off with an extra bit of bounce. Yashasvi Jaiswal stands tall and looks to execute the square cut but misses as the ball zips over his angled bat.
Drinks break! Right then, time for the final hydration break of Day 2 and this game is so nicely poised. India haven't lost a single wicket after Tea and the duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli have piled on some crucial runs as well. There's still about 45 minutes left in the day which means about 10 or so overs and the Aussies will look to press and break this vital stand before the end of the day's play. Let's find out how it all pans out.
37
over
37 | 4 Runs | HH: 134/2
36.6
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Aims the pegs now does Cummins, on a length, Virat Kohli responds with a solid front foot block.
36.5
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Hard length, on the stumps, Kohli pulls it straight to mid-wicket.
36.4
4
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Now that's a great shot! Bangs shorter and into the surface, on the stumps, Virat Kohli with that trigger movement of going back and across, swivels and pulls it to deep backward square leg fence for a boundary.
36.3
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Hits the hard length, just outside off, Kohli works it off the front foot to the leg side.
36.2
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Back of a length, on middle and leg, Virat Kohli flicks it away to short mid-wicket.
36.1
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Cummins continues to bang it into the surface, short and on the body. Virat Kohli rises on the toes and taps it with soft hands to the pitch.
36
over
36 | 4 Runs | HH: 130/2
35.6
0
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nice and full, on the stumps, flicked away straight to mid-wicket.
35.5
1
Mitchell Marsh to Virat Kohli, Kohli moves into the 30s now! Full and on off, Virat Kohli plays with an open bat face and guides the ball a little late to deep point for a single.
35.4
1
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A gentle-paced delivery, around off, Yashasvi Jaiswal prods half-forward and looks to flick it across but closes the bat face early. Gets a top edge that runs towards the deep backward point region for a single.
35.3
0
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nice and full, goes straight and quick on off, Jaiswal responds with a solid front foot block.
35.2
1
Mitchell Marsh to Virat Kohli, Two slips and a gully for Kohli in position. Over the wickets, sprayed on the legs on a length, Virat Kohli flicks it nicely and along the ground for a single.
35.1
1
Mitchell Marsh to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Marsh begins his stint with the ball from over the stumps, with Carey up near the wickets. He bowls a length ball, around middle and leg, Jaiswal steers it off the back foot to deep fine leg for a single.
Mitchell Marsh is now summoned into the attack. He replaces Nathan Lyon.
35
over
35 | 2 Runs | HH: 126/2
34.6
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Nagging length, around off, Virat Kohli plays it closer to the body and knocks it to the cover region.
34.5
1
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Short of a good length, angling on the stumps, Jaiswal gets on the toes and tucks it across to deep square leg for a single.
34.4
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Bouncer on the off-stump line. Jaiswal sits under it.
34.3
1
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Short and on the leg stump, Kohli swivels and pulls it to long leg for a single.
34.2
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Short again, on middle, Virat Kohli rises on the bounce and nudges it to the right of square leg and rushes for a single. Nathan Lyon scoots and dives to his right, makes the stop, and throws it to the striker's end. Jaiswal meanwhile, denies the single and Kohli is just quick enough to turn around and reach home safely.
34.1
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Short one, on the bodyline, Virat Kohli gets behind the line and defends it under the bat.
34
over
34 | 5 Runs | HH: 124/2
33.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Flat and full, on the stumps, Jaiswal knocks it back to Lyon.
33.5
3
Nathan Lyon to Virat Kohli, Too short and wide of off, Virat Kohli uses the depth of the crease and cuts it well through cover-point for three more runs. India trail by 350 runs now.
33.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Drags it down on a length, on leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal punches it across to deep mid-wicket for one.
33.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Slows it up, full and on leg, Jaiswal draws his front foot out and blocks.
33.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Virat Kohli, Drops it fuller and around off, Virat Kohli gets forward and turns it along the ground to long on for a single.
33.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Virat Kohli, Nice and full, pushed through on middle, Virat Kohli leans on and defends it well.
33
over
33 | 6 Runs | HH: 119/2
32.6
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Angling just outside off, on a length, Jaiswal plays very late and cuts it to the gully region.
32.5
1
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Too short and straight at the bodyline, Virat Kohli swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
32.4
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Hard length, attacking the off-pole, Virat Kohli lets the ball arrive and blocks it onto the surface.
32.3
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, On the fifth or sixth stump line, and fuller in length, Virat Kohli watches the ball closely and makes a good leave.
32.2
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Good length outside off. Kohli does not play at it.
32.2
5
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, FIVE WIDES! That takes off the surface. A sharp bumper from Cummins on off, just like a trampoline bounce, Virat Kohli sits safely under it and the ball sails over Alex Carey to run away to the fence.
32.1
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Back of a length, on top of off, Kohli gets behind the line, meets the ball under his eyes, and blocks it back to the bowler.
32
over
32 | 2 Runs | HH: 113/2
31.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On the leg stump line, turning toward the middle, Yashasvi Jaiswal stands tall and taps it onto the surface with soft hands.
31.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Virat Kohli, Pitched just outside off and full, Kohli strides across and pushes it gently to wide of cover for a single.
31.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dragged length, going onto the pads, Jaiswal steers it to deep square leg for a single.
31.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Drifts it on middle and leg, on a fullish length, Yashasvi Jaiswal takes a good stride out and defends it out.
31.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pushed through, on the stumps, Jaiswal watchfully blocks this full ball.
31.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Floated fuller and on off, Jaiswal hangs back and taps it to the off side.
31
over
31 | 0 Runs | HH: 111/2
30.6
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Maiden from Cummins! Good-length delivery, bowled on the fifth stump line and Kohli simply shoulders arms at it.
30.5
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, On a hard length and around off, Kohli gets across a bit and clips it away in front of mid-wicket.
30.4
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Nagging length in the channel outside off, Kohli is forced to play at this one and gets an outside edge with soft hands that goes down towards the gully region.
30.3
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Hard length over off, angled back in, Kohli tucks it away to mid-wicket.
30.2
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Slightly pitched up in that corridor of uncertainty and angling back in, Kohli is tempted for a moment but does well to shoulder his arms.
30.1
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Just back of a length, starting the new spell from over the wicket and bowling it over off, Kohli stands tall and makes a high-elbow block.
30
over
30 | 6 Runs | HH: 111/2
29.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tossed up again and on the pads, Jaiswal goes for the hard sweep and miscues it badly in front of square.
29.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Lyon slows it up and flights it on a length on off, Jaiswal waits well to cut but fails to get it away.
29.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On a fullish length and around middle, Jaiswal prods halfway and blocks it off.
29.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Virat Kohli, Flighted ball around off, Kohli leans right on and plays it across using his wrists down to long on for a single.
29.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dragged length on middle and leg, Jaiswal stays back and just nudges it around the corner for one.
29.1
4
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Jaiswal is now starting to get on a roll and generally, when that happens, he scores really freely. Tossed up on middle and leg, Jaiswal steps out and thumps the ball up and over mid on for another boundary.
29
over
29 | 14 Runs | HH: 105/2
28.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Nagging length and on a right line around off at 143 clicks, Kohli gets across and covers the line well before blocking it off.
28.6
2
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, No ball! Full and straight again, angling in, Jaiswal flicks it away towards mid-wicket for a single. Starc has overstepped and will have to rebowl the final delivery.
28.5
4
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Wow, that has rocketed away to the fence! Starc looks for the toe-crushing yorker but serves it a bit too full, Jaiswal manages to take the front leg out and hammers it wide of mid on for a boundary. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.
28.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Back of a length over middle and off, Kohli gets across and back to just push it down in front of mid-wicket for a quick single.
28.3
3
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Smacked away by Yashasvi Jaiswal and he does come back for the third and brings up his FIFTY and a timely one too! Short of a length and outside off, Jaiswal leans back and slaps it away in front of point for three runs and gets to his 9th Test half-century.
28.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Full and straight, right in the blockhole at almost 140 clicks, Jaiswal just about manages to jam his bat down in time.
28.1
4
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Streaky but through the gap! Good length outside off, Jaiswal walks into the drive but the ball swings away late and catches the outside edge, going in between second slip and gully for a boundary.
28
over
28 | 5 Runs | HH: 91/2
27.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Virat Kohli, Pushed through flatter and on a dragged length around off and middle, Kohli rocks back and pushes it out.
27.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Virat Kohli, Flighted delivery, a touch full and at the stumps, Kohli presses forward now and clips it away towards square leg.
27.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Virat Kohli, Tossed up on a dragged length and on off, Kohli blocks it off.
27.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Virat Kohli, No run there! Over the wicket to Kohli, flighting it up on a nagging length and outside off. Kohli strides across and pushes it down towards cover-point looking for one but is quickly sent back.
27.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Floated up full and on the pads, nudged away in front of mid-wicket for a single by Jaiswal.
27.1
4
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Jaiswal breaks the shackles but that was a poor delivery from Lyon. A drag-down, outside off and just sitting up, Jaiswal rocks back and makes room before cutting it well in front of square for a boundary.
27
over
27 | 4 Runs | HH: 86/2
26.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Just short of a good length and on off and middle, Kohli stays back and nudges it down late towards leg gully.
26.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, On a hard length and in the channel around off, going on with the arm as well, Kohli presses back and leaves it alone.
26.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, A bumper now from Starc, over leg and Kohli has enough time to duck under it.
26.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Slightly full and on leg at 142 clicks, Kohli clips it away to mid-wicket.
26.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Bowled on a fuller length, wide of the off stump and angling across at 142.3 clicks, Kohli leaves it alone.
26.1
4
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Too straight from Starc! Hard length at the pads, Kohli gets inside the line and nudges it off the hips, pretty fine and towards fine leg and picks up a boundary.
Drinks break! A watchful but solid start with the bat from India after Tea and Virat Kohli seems determined not to make the same mistakes as he has done so far in this series. He has left many deliveries but has pouched upon a few as well and Jaiswal looks well set too. It will be an interesting phase of play, the next hour or so as both sides look to make inroads in this Indian batting innings.
26
over
26 | 0 Runs | HH: 82/2
25.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Lyon begins with a maiden and Jaiswal is just getting bogged down a bit. Tosses the ball up, a bit full and around off, Jaiswal leans on and pushes it to mid off.
25.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Slightly flighted and on a nagging length around off, Jaiswal stays watchful in defense.
25.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tossed up again, a bit full and at the stumps, Jaiswal jams it down towards mid on.
25.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nicely tossed up, full and on off, turning away, Jaiswal leans on and makes the block.
It seems like that last ball went off the body and straight into the helmet of Yashasvi Jaiswal and the physio comes out to perform a mandatory concussion test. Everything seems fine though and Jaiswal is ready to continue.
25.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Lyon flights this one up and drifts it onto leg, this one grips and bounces as well. Jaiswal goes for the sweep but is beaten by the extra bounce and wears it on the body.
25.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Starts from around the wicket, bowling it a fraction short on off, Jaiswal stays back and cuts it late and firmly too but straight to short third.
Change? Yes, Nathan Lyon has been tossed the ball for the first time in this game.
25
over
25 | 4 Runs | HH: 82/2
24.6
4
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Stellar shot from Virat Kohli and he is so good off the pads. Starc is a bit greedy and goes full and straight, shaping it back into the pads, Kohli gets inside the line and plays a whippy shot through mid-wicket to find the boundary.
24.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Good length in and around off, slanting it across the right-hander, Kohli shoulders arms yet again.
24.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Starc floats the ball right up to the batter and pushes it wide of the off stump, inviting the drive, Kohli remains resolute and lets go of the ball and even has a slight chuckle afterwards.
24.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Good-length delivery, on a very tight line around off, Jaiswal watches it well and makes an assured leave. Nathan Lyon is now seen warming up, maybe it's time for spin for the Aussies.
24.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Fuller in length and around off, Kohli gets across and looks to drive straight but hits it back to Starc who makes a good stop on the followthrough.
24.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Pitched-up delivery in the channel around off, angling away at 141 clicks, Kohli goes back and across before making the leave.
24
over
24 | 0 Runs | HH: 78/2
23.6
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tidy stuff from Scott Boland, a maiden! Nagging length, sliding it into the pads, Jaiswal plays a bit all over the ball and gets it off the pads towards gully. Jaiswal has a think about the leg bye but is eent back quickly by Kohli.
23.5
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Brings out the bumper now, bowling it over middle and leg and angles it down leg, Jaiswal ducks under it well.
23.4
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Back to around the wicket, bowled a tad full and darts back into the stumps, Jaiswal gets inside the line and pushes it away to mid on.
23.3
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Good-length delivery on middle, holding its line, Jaiswal stays put and blocks it off.
23.2
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Loose from Jaiswal on this occasion. Boland floats the ball up on off and on that three-quarter length, Jaiswal leans into the drive and looks to hit on the up but is beaten past the outside edge.
23.1
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Length delivery around off, Jaiswal gets well forward and punches it on the full but hits it straight to mid off.
23
over
23 | 3 Runs | HH: 78/2
22.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Digs this one in a bit short around off and pushes it across at 140 clicks, Kohli crouches down and sways away from the line of the ball.
22.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Bowled back of a length and around off, angling away, Virat Kohli hops back and keeps it down on the off side.
22.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Just too full and outside off, inviting Kohli into the drive yet again but he makes another assured leave.
22.3
2
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Fullish length outside off and angling away, Virat Kohli gets a good stride across and pushes it with a straight bat past his partner at the other end and to the right of mid off for a couple of runs.
22.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, A bit more round-arm from Starc, bowled on a hard length and pushed across the off stump, Kohli presses back and shoulders arms.
22.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Keeps it nice and full on off stump, Kohli is able to get across and plays it out with a straight bat.
22.1
1
Mitchell Starc to Virat Kohli, Starc returns to the attack and bowls it a touch full on off and middle, shaping it back in. Kohli gets a bit across and pats it down to mid on. No Ball called as Starc has overstepped here.
22
over
22 | 4 Runs | HH: 75/2
21.6
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Around the wicket again for the final delivery and angles it back in from around off on a nagging length. Jaiswal gets a bit forward and pushes it down the pitch.
21.5
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pitched-up delivery on the stumps, Jaiswal is standing well outside the crease and blocks it off.
21.4
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A brute of a delivery from Scott Boland! Goes back to bowling over the wicket and serves the ball up on middle and off, on a good length and gets it to seam away. Jaiswal gets squared up a bit looking to play with a straight bat and the ball just beats the outside edge.
21.3
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Full again on off, slanting back in, Jaiswal looks to repeat the on drive from a couple of balls earlier but mistimes it back to the bowler.
21.2
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pitches it up again but in the channel outside off, nipping in a touch, Jaiswal watchfully leaves it alone.
21.1
4
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Smacked back by Jaiswal! Boland angles in a full ball onto middle and leg, Jaiswal takes the front leg out and drills the on drive to the right of mid on for a boundary.
21
over
21 | 6 Runs | HH: 71/2
20.6
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Short of a length, angled back in from well outside off, this one cuts back in but stays a shade low as well. Kohli manages to keep it out from the crease.
20.5
1
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Good, early call from Jaiswal for the single and they get it with ease. Hard length around middle, Jaiswal stands tall and pushes it across to the off side and gets through to the other end.
20.4
1
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, On a good length and angled into the pads, Kohli looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the back pad and the ball rolls behind square leg for a single.
20.3
4
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, FOUR! That is classic Virat Kohli! Cummins dishes out a full and wide one, Kohli lunges across and gets to the pitch of the ball before playing that iconic high-elbow cover drive and nails it through the gap for a boundary.
20.2
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Good-length delivery, shaping back into the pads, Kohli uses his wrists again to tuck it towards mid-wicket.
20.1
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Short of a good length over off and angled back into the batter, Kohli stays back and compact and just wrists it down in front of mid-wicket.
20
over
20 | 1 Runs | HH: 65/2
19.6
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Full and angled in at the stumps, Jaiswal gets on the front foot and drives it into the deck, right back at the bowler.
19.5
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pitches the ball up wide of the off stump line, Jaiswal looks to get forward but sees the ball seaming away with good carry and opts to make a leave. Alex Carey is also undone by the extra bounce and spills the ball.
19.4
1
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, Good running! Slightly full on middle and leg, Kohli leans on and bunts it in between mid on and mid-wicket for a quick single.
19.3
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, Floats the ball up now, around off, Kohli leans forward and plays it with soft hands to the right of gully but Nathan Lyon pounces on the ball.
19.2
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, Back of a length and outside off, darting it back in with some really good carry, Kohli leans back to leave it alone.
19.1
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, Ooh, it's a good leave! Hard length around off, Virat Kohli shoulders arms as the ball seams back in late and Alex Carey ends up collecting it around the leg stump line.
It's 3.50 pm at Melbourne and the crowd tips off their hats admiring their beloved cricketer, the late Shane Warne.
19
over
19 | 5 Runs | HH: 64/2
18.6
4
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal has just nailed that ball to the fence. Banged in short over middle, Jaiswal leans back and gets on top of the bounce before smashing the pull in front of square and picks up four runs.
18.5
1
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Short ball now, angled at the bodyline, Kohli just gets inside the line and hooks it away down to long leg for a single.
18.4
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Goes a bit wider on the crease and darts the ball back in towards the top of off and middle, Kohli plays it late and solidly blocks it off.
18.3
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Cummins pitches the ball right up to the batter and on the fifth stump line, inviting the drive but Kohli opts to leave it alone.
18.2
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Hard length now, angled onto off but straightening down the line again, Kohli gets back to defend.
18.1
0
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Bowled back of a length and in the channel, straightening down the line as well, Kohli presses back and defends it out.
18
over
18 | 1 Runs | HH: 59/2
17.6
1
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, Back of a length around off, Kohli presses back and pushes it down in front of covers for a quick single.
17.5
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, Well-fielded! On a fuller length and on off, seaming away, Kohli plays it with soft hands and right under the eyes wide of gully but Nathan Lyon makes a good stop.
17.4
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, That one nipped back in! Hard length outside off, darting back into the right-hander, Virat Kohli looks to leave but the ball just flicks the thigh pad on its way to the keeper.
17.3
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, Hard length now and on the fifth stump line, just nibbling away off the deck, Virat Kohli presses back and leaves it alone.
17.2
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, A gentle-paced delivery, on a good length and wide of the off stump line, Kohli leaves it alone.
17.1
0
Scott Boland to Virat Kohli, On a good length, slanted in a long way from around off and onto the pads, Kohli tries to get inside the line and flick but fails to get it away.
17
over
17 | 7 Runs | HH: 58/2
16.6
2
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Short of a length again and around off, Jaiswal gets back on his toes and punches it down well in front of square on the off side and picks up a couple of runs.
16.5
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Just short of a length and angled down the leg side, Jaiswal shoulders arms at it.
16.4
4
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Great hand-eye co-ordination from Jaiswal! A quick bumper over middle, coming in at a good height as well, Jaiswal just leans on a touch and ramps it over the slip cordon down to deep third for a boundary.
16.3
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Goes full and straight now, bowling it on middle and leg, Jaiswal looks to flick but plays all over it and gets hit on the pads.
16.2
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Another edge that doesn't carry in this Test match. Perfect length and on off, just nibbling away, Jaiswal stays forward and looks to block but gets an outside edge that goes down just wide of second slip.
16.1
1
Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Off the mark right away and there's a bit of a cheer from one section of the crowd. Bowled back of a length, aimed at the ribs, Kohli gets inside the line and tucks it down to fine leg for a single.
Pat Cummins (6-1-27-2) to operate from the far end. Virat Kohli is greeted with a mix of cheer and loud booing from the crowd as he prepares to face his first delivery.
16
over
16 | 0 Runs | HH: 51/2
15.6
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A maiden to start the final session on Day 2! Good length again and outside off, going straight on, Jaiswal shoulders arms.
15.5
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Top delivery! Boland serves the ball up on a good length around off, just kissing the deck and gets a hint of away movement as well. Jaiswal looks to drive but it isn't full enough and is beaten past the outside edge.
15.4
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Keeps the length on the fuller side and angles it in at the batter, Jaiswal solidly blocks it off.
15.3
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pitched up again and around off, a crisp high-elbow drive from Yashasvi Jaiswal on the up and just to the left of Pat Cummins at wide mid off and he makes another sharp stop.
15.2
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nagging length, in and around off, just angling in a touch, Jaiswal makes an assured leave.
15.1
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nicely driven but straight to the fielder! Bowled full from around the wicket and right on off, Jaiswal punches it on the up but finds Pat Cummins at extra cover.
Welcome back for the third and final session of play on this second day of the fourth Test. The umpires are in place. Australian players too, take their respective fielding positions. Yashasvi Jaiswal is joined by Virat Kohli who is in at number 4 for India, with a mountainous task cut out. A very buzzy crowd builds up for their local boy, Scott Boland (3-1-9-0), who will kick off the proceedings with the ball. And we are all set...
... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...
Well then, Australia holds all aces at this moment and India will have to rebuild once again, as they still trail by 423 runs. Yes, the conditions for batting are favorable, but this Indian batting unit has had its fair share of struggles in this series. Will the tourists put on a strong fightback? Or will the hosts replicate the same with the ball and pile up on their earlier success with the bat? Let's see what's in store for us in this third and final session which begins at 10.04 am IST (4.34 am GMT).
The partnership between Jaiswal and KL Rahul brought much-needed stability to India's innings, featuring an array of elegant strokeplay. Following Rohit's early exit, the duo took the sting out of the Australian bowling attack with their composed approach. But it was the Aussie skipper Cummins who got rid of this partnership off an absolute pearler of delivery just before the end of the session which slipped India to 51/2.
Facing a formidable total of 474, India's response with the bat got off to a shaky start. Their ongoing opening partnership concerns resurfaced as Rohit Sharma, who promoted himself up top to his customary batting position, failed to capitalize and gave his wicket away. Despite this setback, the pitch remained conducive to batting, offering only occasional turns for the spinners and minimal inconsistent bounce.
India's woes continued as Mitchell Starc joined Smith at the crease. The pair quickly accumulated 44 runs. Smith's impressive innings finally came to an end through an unfortunate dismissal off Akash Deep's bowling, but not before putting Australia in a dominant position with a sensational 140-odd runs to his name. The Indian bowling attack struggled to make an impact for most of the part, though Jadeja eventually found success against the lower middle order, with Bumrah cleaning up the last wicket.
TEA, DAY 2 - SESSION SUMMARY - 24.4 overs, 71 runs, 5 wickets. One more immersive session of play comes to an end and another one goes Australia's way. As things stand, Australia has now dominated three out of the five sessions played so far. Conditions were pretty good to bat on, with the sun out and the surface fairly flat as well. Australia were already in a commanding position with the lower middle order supporting Steven Smith sincerely. Smith who already had notched up a sensational century, formed a crucial 112-run partnership with Cummins, who himself scored a handy 49 before getting out.
15
over
15 | 1 Runs | HH: 51/2
14.6
W
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, OUT! TIMBER! That is an absolute ripper of a delivery from Pat Cummins and he picks up a huge wicket on the stroke of Tea! Cummins changes the length and pitches the ball up off and middle, getting the ball to deviate away from the right-hander. KL Rahul doesn't get completely forward but looks to drive with a straight bat and is just completely undone as the ball nips past the outside edge and smashes into the off pole. Rahul departs for 24 (42) and that will be TEA ON DAY 2!
14.5
0
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, Brings out the bumper now, banging it in well short but gets it down the leg side, KL Rahul doesn't even have to duck under it as it flies through to the keeper.
14.4
0
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, Hard length over the top of off and angled back in, Rahul gets right behind the line and makes the block.
14.3
0
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, Nagging length, bowled into the channel outside off and just seaming away a touch, Rahul leaves it alone.
14.2
0
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, Fuller in length, spearing it onto the pads, Rahul leans across and plays it straight to mid on.
14.1
1
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shorter in length, dug in over middle and leg, Jaiswal hops and nudges it away into the leg side for a quick single.
14
over
14 | 2 Runs | HH: 50/1
13.6
0
Scott Boland to KL Rahul, Pitches the ball up now, bowling it around off, Rahul gets halfway forward and blocks it off.
13.5
0
Scott Boland to KL Rahul, A bit indecisive from Rahul and that's well stopped by Steven Smith as well. Slightly back of a length and in that corridor of uncertainty, Rahul is late to pull out of the shot and gets it off the face of the bat wide of second slip where Smith pounces on the ball.
13.4
0
Scott Boland to KL Rahul, Oh, well bowled! That three-quarter length from Boland now and around off, the ball shoots up off the deck and KL Rahul is taken aback. He looks to defend but gets hit on the gloves.
13.3
0
Scott Boland to KL Rahul, Length delivery again, angling it onto the pads, Rahul gets his hands out in front and pushes it down to mid-wicket.
13.2
0
Scott Boland to KL Rahul, Good length on the fifth stump line, Rahul goes back and across before pulling his hands back behind his body and leaving it alone.
13.1
2
Scott Boland to KL Rahul, Darted in full and into the pads, KL Rahul stays on the front foot and just gets inside the line of the ball before flicking it away wide of fine leg for a couple of runs.
13
over
13 | 0 Runs | HH: 48/1
12.6
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On a hard length around off, zipping off the deck, Jaiswal shoulders arms at this one. Cummins starts the new spell with a maiden!
12.5
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A bit full and wide, angling further away, Jaiswal lets it through to the keeper.
12.4
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Short of a good length and on a tight line around off, Jaiswal presses back but is a bit late on the punch and plays it away straight to the point fielder.
12.3
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pitches the ball up at the stumps, Jaiswal looks to advance but has to block it off.
12.2
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On a good length, slanted across the left-hander with some good carry on it, Jaiswal leaves it alone.
12.1
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Cummins comes from the other end now and starts off with a shortish delivery, bowling it at the body line, Jaiswal hops and tucks it down to square leg.
12
over
12 | 7 Runs | HH: 48/1
11.6
1
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Back of a length around middle and angled into the body, Jaiswal fends it just to the leg side and scampers through for a single.
11.5
3
Scott Boland to KL Rahul, Boland strays onto the pads and bowls it full as well, KL Rahul tucks it away and the ball flies past Travis Head at short leg and goes towards deep square leg as they pick up three more runs.
11.4
0
Scott Boland to KL Rahul, A touch fuller in length and just outside off, Rahul leaves this one alone.
11.3
0
Scott Boland to KL Rahul, Beauty! Serves the ball up on a hard length and in the channel around off, getting some natural angle into the right-hander but then the ball holds its line. KL Rahul presses back as the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
11.2
0
Scott Boland to KL Rahul, Back to over the wicket to the right-hander and this is bowled just a fraction short over off, KL Rahul tentatively blocks it from the crease.
11.1
3
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A few confident shots being played and India settling nicely into this contest now. Slightly overpitched around off, Jaiswal comes forward and drives it on the full through covers and picks up three runs in the deep.
11
over
11 | 6 Runs | HH: 41/1
10.6
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, A fraction shorter around leg, KL Rahul hops across to get inside the line and leaves it alone.
10.5
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Back of a length over off, just nibbling away with the angle, Rahul stays back and looks to play with a straight bat but is beaten past the outside edge.
10.4
2
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Full and straight at the stumps, KL Rahul looks to play on the up but gets it off the inner half of the blade towards mid-wicket where Sam Konstas lets the ball through moving to his left, allowing the batters to pick up a couple of runs.
10.3
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Starc brings the line a lot closer to the off stump and drags the length back as well, pushing the ball across the right-hander as Rahul plays inside the line.
10.2
4
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, FOUR! A real 'hit-me' ball and KL Rahul doesn't miss out. Starc goes full and wide, looking for the big inswinger but simply serves a half-volley, Rahul leans across and latches onto the width, driving it wide of covers for a boundary.
10.1
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Nagging length on middle and leg, angling into the pads, Rahul gets on his toes and nudges it away onto the leg side.
10
over
10 | 0 Runs | HH: 35/1
9.6
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Boland starts off with a maiden then! Comes from around the stumps and bowls it just back of a length, angling it into the batter, Jaiswal stands tall and pushes it back down on the deck.
9.5
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Bowled on a good length again but darted well across the off stump line, Jaiswal opts to leave it alone for the keeper.
9.4
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nicely bowled! Good-length delivery, on off and on a tight line making Jaiswal poke at it but he gets beaten past the outside edge.
9.3
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pitches the ball a bit further up on off and naturally angles it across the left-hander, Jaiswal lets it through to the keeper.
9.2
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Hard length over middle and leg, Jaiswal presses back a bit and just nudges it away towards mid-wicket.
9.1
0
Scott Boland to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On the money to begin with! Begins from over the wicket and bowls it gun-barrel straight on a good length, Jaiswal stays compact and solidly blocks it off.
Change? Yes, indeed. Scott Boland has been introduced into the attack. He replaces Pat Cummins.
9
over
9 | 1 Runs | HH: 35/1
8.6
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Slightly pitched up and pushed well wide across the right-hander, KL Rahul doesn't play at it.
8.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shorter in length and over off, Jaiswal hops and nurdles it down towards deep third for a single.
8.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Good fielding! Strac pitches the ball up on off, Jaiswal leans on and hammers the drive to the left of extra cover but Pat Cummins there makes a sharp stop to save a certain boundary.
8.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Back of a length and bowled into the channel outside off, seaming away again at a brisk pace and Jaiswal just shoulders arms.
Scott Boland is seen warming up near the ropes. He is not far away from his first spell. Or might as could bowl the next one.
8.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Banged into the deck by Starc, outside off and at 142.8 clicks, Jaiswal presses back and leaves it alone.
8.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Bolwed full and in the channel around off, shaping away at almost 142 clicks, Jaiswal leaves it alone.
8
over
8 | 9 Runs | HH: 34/1
7.6
0
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, Nagging length in the channel around off, Rahul puts half a stride across and plays it with soft hands, getting an outside edge down towards third slip.
7.5
4
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, FOUR! Nicely driven again and yet again Cummins errs on the fuller side. Overpitched on off, KL Rahul just prods halfway and pushes at the ball, timing it sweetly through the vacant mid off region for a boundary.
7.4
0
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, Fullish length again, darted into the pads, Rahul leans on and clips it straight to mid-wicket.
7.3
1
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nicely played by Jaiswal! Cummins gets the ball to jump right up off a shortish length and Jaiswal hops to keep the ball down into the off side before picking up a single as well.
7.2
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ooh, well left! Floated up full and just around off, looking to swing it back in, Jaiswal watches it well and leaves it alone as the ball swings late after passing the stumps.
7.1
4
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! A confident shot from Yashasvi Jaiswal! Overpitched around middle, Jaiswal presses onto the front foot and plays a lovely high-elbow on drive, nailing it through mid on for a boundary.
7
over
7 | 2 Runs | HH: 25/1
6.6
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Very full and at almost 144 kph, in the channel around off and doesn't quite swing back in, Rahul strides across to block but is well beaten.
6.5
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Just short of a good length and over off, this one goes straight on with good carry, Rahul tries to play inside the line but the ball goes very close to the outside edge.
6.4
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Good-length delivery, wide of the off stump at 143 clicks, threatening to swing back in and Rahul just plays well inside the line of the ball again.
6.3
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Goes full and well wide of the off stump, looking for the big inswinger but the ball slides right on as Rahul makes an easy leave.
6.2
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, That round-arm delivery, bowled just back of a length on off and pushed across the right-hander, Rhaul plays well inside the line of that one.
6.1
2
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Starc drags the length short and bowls it at the hips at over 145 clicks, Rahul tucks it away neatly through backward square leg for a couple of runs.
6
over
6 | 7 Runs | HH: 23/1
5.6
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Fuller in length and angled just across the off stump, Jaiswal leaves it alone.
5.5
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Another stifled appeal for LBW from Cummins but that's clearly too high. That in-between length around middle, getting the ball to jag back in sharply. Jaiswal is caught on the crease and gets beaten past the inside edge, wearing it high on the pads.
5.4
3
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, Floated up full and wide of the off stump, swinging away, Rahul strides across and just eases it with the swing through the cover region for three handy runs.
5.3
0
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, Cummins slides one in full and at 141 clicks, angling it into middle and leg and getting it to shape away. Rahul looks to flick but gets a leading edge that rolls behind point.
5.2
0
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, Hard length now from Cummins, around off and this one jags back in sharply, Rahul gets caught on the crease and gets hit high on the pads.
5.1
4
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, FOUR! Elegantly done by Rahul! Overpitched by Cummins on the fifths stump line, Rahul waits well and just leans on before caressing it square through cover-point for a boundary.
5
over
5 | 2 Runs | HH: 16/1
4.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pitched-up delivery, in and around off, Jaiswal drives it on the up but straight to short extra cover.
4.5
2
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Squeezed away! Nagging length on middle, threatening to angle back in but holds its line, Jaiswal is late on the shot and ends up getting it off the inner half of the blade through mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs.
4.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Beaten again! A shade fuller than the previous delivery and in the channel around off, Jaiswal goes for the expansive cover drive but is beaten past the outside edge again.
4.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Keeps the length full and the line outside off at around 144 kph, Jaiswal strides forward looking to drive but ends up leaving it alone.
4.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nagging length, around off and seaming away a bit as well, Jaiswal watches it well and leaves it alone.
4.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Beaten! Starc slides in a full and wide delivery at 143.5 clicks and invites the drive. Jaiswal advances a bit and goes for the cover drive but is beaten for pace and some away movement.
4
over
4 | 5 Runs | HH: 14/1
3.6
0
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, An ambitious appeal for LBW from Cummins, but the umpire doesn't look interested on this! Cummins discusses with his fellow teammates and also reckons that it is 'just above the knee roll'. Eventually doesn't opt for a review. Cummins bowls it on a fraction fuller length, nipping back in a touch after pitching. KL Rahul plays over the wrong line to flick it away, and gets rapped on the front pad. The Ball Tracking comes up later and confirms that the ball's projection is down the leg stump line.
3.5
0
Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, That in-between length, angling on the pads, KL Rahul tucks it with soft hands to the short leg fielder.
3.4
1
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Straight and full, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal prods forward and threads it between wide of cover and mid off for a single.
3.3
4
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Clever shot and the first boundary for India! Short and wide by Cummins, Yashasvi Jaiswal uses the bounce and ramps it over the slip cordons for a boundary at deep third.
3.2
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Slanting across off on a good length, Jaiswal sees the ball through and leaves it alone.
3.1
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Cummins bowls it on a hard length, around off, Jaiswal plays it behind the line and pushes it firmly to mid off.
3
over
3 | 1 Runs | HH: 9/1
2.6
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Oh, so nearly chopped on! Nervy moments out there! Starc spears in a wide yorker, outside off, Rahul looks to dig out and jams the bat in time. Gets it off the bottom edge as the ball just dribbles near the pegs.
2.5
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Keeps the line of attack outside off, does Starc, on a hard length. KL Rahul again gets his bat out of the line and makes the leave.
2.4
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, This is another inswinger, and full on the stumps, flicked away by KL Rahul, but straight to mid-wicket.
2.3
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Slants it across off, at 144.2 kph, on a fullish length, KL Rahul hides his bat behind the pads and lets it through to the keeper. A good carry back to the wicket-keeper as Carey collects it at his face level.
2.2
0
Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, Starc extracts a good inswing on a fuller length, but slides it down leg. Rahul misses out on the flick.
2.1
1
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Full and at the leg stump with a hint of an away movement. Jaiswal flicks it to the left of mid on for a single.
KL Rahul walks in at number 3.
2
over
2 | 5 Runs | HH: 8/1
1.6
W
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Cummins strikes early for Australia and the captain dismisses the opposition captain! Cummins bashes the hard length, on the top of the sticks. It jags back in a touch with an extra bit of bounce. Rohit couldn't resist himself from playing at it and got in a bit of a tangle. Top-edges it and the ball lobs over mid-wicket where Scott Boland takes a comfortable catch running to his right. Rohit Sharma who promoted himself up top, doesn't much trouble the scorers and his lean run with the bat continues. India are struck early.
1.5
0
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, On the fifth stump line, and fuller in length. Rohit shoulders arms at it.
1.4
1
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Hard length, onto the pads, Jaiswal glances it to deep fine for a single.
1.3
3
Pat Cummins to Rohit Sharma, Pitched fuller by Cummins, on off, Rohit with a firm push on the front foot, gets it off the middle of the blade, and straight down the ground. The ball is chased by Sam Konstas from mid off. He slides and flicks the ball just before the ropes. The replays confirm the same. Good fielding effort by the youngster. Rohit gets off the mark with that.
1.2
1
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A bit more on the shorter side, on top of off, Yashasvi Jaiswal gets on his toes and drops it to wide of backward point. Calls for a single instantly and completes it quickly.
1.1
0
Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Cummins charges in from over the stumps and bashes the hard length, on the stumps, Yashasvi Jaiswal plays it closer to the body and blocks it solidly onto the surface.
Pat Cummins to share thew new ball with Mitchell Starc.
1
over
1 | 3 Runs | HH: 3/0
0.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, Straight and full, across off, Rohit makes a watchful leave. An entertaining first over from Starc.
0.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, An attempted yorker, around the off stump with an away movement. Jaiswal plays late and opens the bat face. Digs it out to cover for a single.
0.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A snorter of a delivery by Starc! Attacks the off-pole and gets the ball to swing away from a fuller length. Yashasvi Jaiswal looks to push it with a flick but plays the wrong line. The ball just flirts past the outside edge.
0.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma, This one curves back into the batter, on a length, Rohit does not get any bat on it and it just goes off the thigh pad to the square leg region for a leg bye.
0.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, India and Jaiswal are off the mark! Pitched up by Starc, full and on the stumps, Jaiswal plays with a straight bat face and drives it down the ground. Starc bends low to his left on the follow-through and gets the ball to deflect off his fingers. It rolls just close to the stumps at the non-striker's end, and goes to the deep for a single.
0.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mitchell Starc steams in from over the stumps and starts off with a length ball. It deviates sharply away from outside off. Yashasvi offers no shot at it.
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01
st Innings Australia
All set for India's reply! The umpires are out in the middle and the 70,000-plus crowd inside the MCG eagerly awaits. The Australian players have taken their places and it will be skipper Rohit Sharma who will open the innings for India alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Mitchell Starc will take the new ball and he is raring to go. Let's play...
... SECOND INNINGS ...
Right then, Australia have put on 474 big runs on the board and their pacers will have their tail up. The pitch and weather conditions are stellar for batting but that uneven bounce might be a huge factor and all eyes will be on Pat Cummins because he is the one who generally hits that short of a good length more often than anyone. Don't go anywhere as India's first innings is up next.
India might not have had much of a say in this Test so far but they will be mighty pleased to pick up those remaining three wickets after Lunch for just 20 runs and have managed to keep Australia under the 500-run mark. It still is a huge ask for them to get close to the Aussie total but the batting conditions at the MCG at the moment are pretty good. Also, it will be interesting to see whether Rohit Sharma does open the innings for India or does he slot into that number 3 role of Shubman Gill.
Well then, India have finally managed to clean up Australia for 474 and Jasprit Bumrah ends up with a four-fer. It was a bit of a bizarre start post Lunch as a lapse in concentration cost Mitchell Starc his wicket and then Steven Smith got out in a fashion that was obnoxious even for him. The final pairing of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland showed some resistance but eventually, Lyon fell. However, this innings will be remembered for the fireworks up top provided by debutant Sam Konstas and then a stellar century from Steven Smith.
122.4
over
122.4 | 2 Runs | HH: 474/10
122.4
W
Jasprit Bumrah to Nathan Lyon, OUT! LBW! Another confident appeal for LBW and once again, the finger goes up! Lyon reviews it straightaway but starts to walk back to the dugout. He then waits for the decision to be made. Bumrah bowls it on a good length, and slants it into the batter. It skids through very quickly and hurries the batter into the shot. Nathan Lyon hops on the back foot and looks to work it across into the leg side but plays all over it. The ball passes very close to the bat and pings his pad. Nothing on UltraEdge. Now, interestingly, the Ball Tracking shows the ball hitting the top of the middle on the umpire's call. Luck with Bumrah as the umpire gives it out. He gets his fourth wicket. Lyon gets his marching orders and Australia are all out on a mammoth total of 474.
122.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Nathan Lyon, A well-directed yorker, on the middle, Nathan Lyon brings his bat down in time and digs it back to the bowler.
122.2
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Nathan Lyon, Annoying runs for India! Angles it onto the pads, on a good length, Lyon turns it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.
122.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Nathan Lyon, Bumrah is back on. Hits the deck hard, just outside off, Lyon has a feel for it but gets his bat away from the line in time and lets it through.
122
over
122 | 0 Runs | HH: 472/9
121.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Touch full and on the stumps, Scott Boland knocks it to mid on.
121.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Drifts it on middle and leg, Scott Boland goes for a front foot defence but gets a thick inside edge to the leg side.
121.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Fuller one, on off, Boland prods forward and defends it out.
121.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Slow and floated fuller on the stumps, Boland leans ahead and defends it straight.
121.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Flat and quick, around off, Boland hangs back and guides it to the point region.
121.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Nice and full, on middle, pushed back to Jadeja.
121
over
121 | 6 Runs | HH: 472/9
120.6
4
Mohammed Siraj to Nathan Lyon, FOUR! Salt on the wounds for India! Classy stuff from Lyon this! Siraj bowls a fuller one, on the stumps, Nathan Lyon brings the bat down through the line. Finds the middle of the bat and drives it crisply straight down the ground for a boundary.
120.5
1
Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, Bangs it short does Siraj, right on the bodyline, Boland rises with the bounce and turns it away to deep backward square leg for a single.
120.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, On the hard length, slanting in on middle, Boland gets on the back foot and knocks it to point.
120.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, Straight and full, on off, Boland prods forward and pushes if firmly back to the bowler.
120.2
1
Mohammed Siraj to Nathan Lyon, Half-tracker angling on off, Lyon nudges it across to deep mid-wicket for a single.
120.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Nathan Lyon, Length ball, on top of off, Nathan Lyon hops on the back foot and eases it onto the pitch.
120
over
120 | 1 Runs | HH: 466/9
119.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Boland making it look easy to defend at the moment. Full, quick and in front of the stumps. Boland leans ahead with a huge stride and blocks it out.
119.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Full and on the stumps, defended well by Boland.
119.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Darts a quicker one and drags the length a bit on middle and leg, Boland tucks it to long on.
119.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Attacks the stumps, full and on middle, Boland prods ahead and blocks it out.
119.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Slow and on the pads, on a length, Boland taps it with soft hands beside the pitch.
119.1
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Floated full and on middle, swept away to deep square leg for a single.
119
over
119 | 1 Runs | HH: 465/9
118.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, Good length and just around off. Boland defends it to square leg.
118.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, A huge appeal for LBW and the umpire Joel Wilson raises his finger instantly! Scott Boland has again gone upstairs and reviewed it. Siraj steams in from over the stumps and bowls a full-length delivery, on the off-stump line. It lands and just jags back in a touch. Scott Boland plays over the line to drive it straight and gets beaten. It passes close to the bat and thuds on the front pad. UltraEdge comes up and shows no bat involved. But, the Ball Tracking saves Boland as it shows the ball's trajectory to be missing the leg stump by a thin margin. Two sharp reviews from Boland! And this could be really frustrating for the tourists now.
118.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, Angling in on the middle and leg, on a length, Scott Boland plays with a straight bat and pushes it to mid on.
118.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, Nagging length, outside off, Scott Boland looks to cut it away but misses as the ball passes over his angled bat.
118.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, Hard length, on off, tapped away to mid on.
118.1
1
Mohammed Siraj to Nathan Lyon, Back of a length, on the top of the stumps, Lyon taps it to the mid-wicket region and looks for a single. Boland obeys and runs but Siraj collides with him as he tries to get onto the ball. But they do get a single anyway. The crowd offers some boos to Siraj as well.
118
over
118 | 3 Runs | HH: 464/9
117.6
2
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Full and outside off. Boland guides it with an open bat face and steers it to deep third for a couple
117.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, A huge appeal for LBW in unison from the Indians, and up goes the finger! Scott Boland reviews it straightaway! Jadeja stays around the wickets and bowls a fuller one, which goes on with the arm, around off, Scott Boland leans on the ball to block it out but it lands, and just goes straight on to hit the pads. However, UltraEdge comes up and shows a huge deflection off the inside edge. NOT OUT! A good review which saves Boland and Australia's last wicket.
117.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Just a bit outside off, on a length, left alone by Boland.
117.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, A full ball, spinning away from off, Scott Boland plays inside the line and gets beaten.
117.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Bowls it flat and on off, Nathan Lyon drags this full ball to wide of mid on for a single.
117.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Nice and full, pitched up and around off, Lyon defends it out.
117
over
117 | 5 Runs | HH: 461/9
116.6
0
Akash Deep to Scott Boland, Good length angling into the leg stump. Boland defends it out.
116.5
2
Akash Deep to Scott Boland, An ordinary fielding! A low full toss, almost on the knee length, Boland taps it to wide of mid on and hares for a single. Bumrah picks and throws in a motion but has a shy at the non-striker's end. And with a poor backup at the cover region, the ball rolls to the deep, allowing the batters to scamper back for the second.
116.4
1
Akash Deep to Nathan Lyon, Hits the deck hard, on the pads, Lyon clips it off the back foot to deep backward square leg for a single.
116.3
0
Akash Deep to Nathan Lyon, A sharp bouncer now, over the top of off, Lyon does not have a go at it and lets it sail through to the keeper.
116.2
1
Akash Deep to Scott Boland, Back of a length, angling on top of middle, Scott Boland defends it off the back foot but gets a bit of an inside edge which runs to wide of square leg. A quick single taken!
116.1
1
Akash Deep to Nathan Lyon, Pitched up at a gentle pace, on off, Lyon goes through the drive but gets it off the thickish outside edge. Gets a single as the ball rolls towards deep backward point.
116
over
116 | 1 Runs | HH: 456/9
115.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Identical line and length, at the same trajectory as well. Boland is happy to let that pass.
115.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Flat and goes on with the arm, around off, Scott Boland leaves.
115.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Pitched fuller and pushed through on middle, Boland lunges ahead and defends it with a straight bat.
115.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Full and around off, quicker and flatter, Boland defends it out.
115.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Nice and full, turning away from off. Boland is beaten on the outside edge as he looks to defend it in front.
115.1
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Back of a length, on middle, Lyon backs away and cuts it to wide of backward point for a quick single.
115
over
115 | 0 Runs | HH: 455/9
114.6
0
Akash Deep to Scott Boland, Nice and full, angling on off, punched firmly back to the bowler by Boland.
114.5
0
Akash Deep to Scott Boland, A sharp bouncer now angling into the batter. Boland ducks under it.
114.4
0
Akash Deep to Scott Boland, Hits the hard length and angles into the middle and leg. Boland tucks it to mid-wicket.
114.3
0
Akash Deep to Scott Boland, Short and on middle stump. Boland ducks under it safely.
114.2
0
Akash Deep to Scott Boland, Full and shaping into the off stump. Boland pushes it to mid on.
Scott Boland is the last man in for Australia.
114.1
W
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, OUT! BOWLED! Oh, how unfortunate way to get out for Smith! Akash Deep bowls it on the back of a length and angles it into the batter from outside off. Smith charges way down the track, just doesn't find enough room to slap it to the off side. Gets a thick inside edge, which thuds on his pads and goes onto dribble towards the stumps. The bail comes off a bit late and Smith just cannot believe what happened! But, a fine, fine knock from him and a much-needed one as well. He walks towards the dugout with a great reception from the MCG crowd. He raises his bat and acknowledges the crowd. He departs on a well-compiled 140. Two quick wickets for India coming straight after Lunch in a quick succession.
Akash Deep to operate from the other end.
114
over
114 | 1 Runs | HH: 455/8
113.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Flat and on a length, at off, block off well by Lyon.
113.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Full and outside off. It lands, grips and sharply spins away past the outside edge.
113.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Floated full and outside off. Lyon offers no shot.
Nathan Lyon is the new batter in.
113.3
W
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, OUT! STRAIGHT THROUGH HIS DEFENCE! Jadeja strikes right after the Lunch break and gets another one. Australia are 8 wickets down now! Stays around the wickets does Jadeja, and bowls a fuller-length delivery which goes across the middle pole and angles on the off-stump line. Mitchell Starc gets a good stride out and looks to block it out in front but plays inside the line of the ball as he expects it to turn into him. Instead, it just zips past the outside edge and goes straight on to crash into the stumps. A nice handy contribution from Starc comes to an end. Jadeja with three wickets now.
113.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Floated up, full and around off, Smith leans on the ball and drives it to long off for a single.
113.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Jadeja starts the session from around the wickets with a slip in place. Bowls full with a little bit of turn on middle. Smith pushes it back to the bowler.
We are back for the post-Lunch session on Day 2! The umpires have taken their places and so have the Indian fielders. Steven Smith is back out in the middle and has Mitchell Starc to accompany him at the crease for Australia. Spin to kick off the session as Ravindra Jadeja is all set to bowl. Let's play...
... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...
Right then, we have had just four sessions of play so far in the Boxing Day Test and it seems, Australia are throwing the punches that are dealing the most damage to the opposition and they will be eyeing up the 500-run mark before thinking about declaration. India on the other hand will be hoping that Bumrah comes out fresh post-Lunch and their pacers are able to clean up the Aussie tail at the earliest. Join us at 7.40 am IST (2.10 am GMT) to find out how it all pans out in the afternoon session.
With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep tired from their long spells early in the session and Mohammed Siraj simply not in his element, India had to resort to spin in the latter half of the session. It was Ravindra Jadeja who got rid of Cummins on 49 which seemed to have open a door for India but they failed to make the most of it yet again and are now lagging behind quite a lot already.
It was of utmost importance for Australia that Steven Smith remained at the crease heading into Day 2 and boy, didn't he roll back the years! Along with skipper Pat Cummins, Smith added 112 runs for the 7th wicket and even brought up a sensational 34th Test ton and isn't showing any signs of slowing down, in fact, he has been more aggressive since reaching triple digits.
At 299/6 and quite a flat pitch on display, India had to make use of the uneven bounce on offer with the second new ball. Jasprit Bumrah kept things tight and troubled the outside edge as well and even Akash Deep bowled a few decent deliveries every now and then but they couldn't get that breakthrough, allowing Australia to just ease into the morning session.
LUNCH, DAY 2! SESSION SUMMARY - 27 overs, 143 runs, and 1 wicket! With how proceedings ended on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, everyone knew that the first session on Day 2 would be crucial. India had the second new ball and were expected to do some damage but Australia simply blew them off and are in command heading into the Lunch interval.
113
over
113 | 3 Runs | HH: 454/7
112.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Spears it full in length, on off, Starc drills it straight to the covers. And that will be LUNCH ON DAY 2!
112.5
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Slow in pace, on a shorter length, on top of off, Smith hangs back and turns it behind square for a single into the leg side.
112.4
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, A bit short of a good length, on off, Starc stands tall and pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.
112.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Very full, almost a yorker at off, Starc digs it out to mid on.
112.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, A sharp bumper on the bodyline. Mitchell Starc just about ducks under it.
112.1
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Hurls it fuller and on middle, at 132.3 kph. Smith opens his body, brings his bat in front of the pads and punches it down to long on for a single.
112
over
112 | 5 Runs | HH: 451/7
111.6
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Floated up with a bit of a loop, around off, Starc leaves it.
111.5
2
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Brings the stumps into play now does Sundar. Full and around off, with a hint of an away turn, Starc leans on to drive through covers but gets a thick outside edge which runs past the diving Rohit Sharma at the first slip for a couple of runs. The 450 comes up for Australia.
111.4
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Nice and full, outside off, left alone.
111.3
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Good grip and turn there! Touch full and outside off. It lands and sharply spins away. Starc is forced on the front foot and gets beaten.
111.2
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, On the middle stump line, Steven Smith turns this length ball to the backward square leg region for a single.
111.1
2
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Around the stumps bustles Sundar. Drops a length ball on the pads, Smith tucks it across to deep square leg and sprints back for the second run. Excellent piece of running between the wickets!
111
over
111 | 6 Runs | HH: 446/7
110.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, An attempted yorker from Bumrah now, in front of the pegs. Starc jams his bat down in time and shovels it out to the bowler.
110.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Not that short and not that full. That in-between length which rises off the surface, around off. Starc leans back and makes the leave.
110.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Pitched up, full and on middle, Mitchell Starc knocks it back to Bumrah.
110.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Bangs it short and around off, Starc sways away from the line and lets it pass.
110.2
6
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, SIX! Gee, that sounded so good off the bat! It was six the moment he hit it! Bumrah bowls a half-volley, on off, Mitchell Starc clears his front leg, swings hard and tonks it behind long on for a six.
110.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah is summoned back into the attack now. Comes from around the stumps, hurls it on a fuller length, on the stumps. Starc blocks it out to mid on.
110
over
110 | 1 Runs | HH: 440/7
109.6
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Around the stumps now. Flat and on a length, sliding across off, Steven Smith gets behind the line and blocks it out.
109.5
1
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Very slow, full and on the stumps, Mitchell Starc with a gentle push off the front foot to wide of cover. Milks a single.
109.4
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Slower through the air, on off and full, Starc strides ahead and defends.
109.3
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Drags the length, short and on middle, Starc punches it back to Sundar.
109.2
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Pushed through, slow and drifting around off, Mitchell Starc goes for a front foot block and gets beaten by the turn.
109.1
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Floated up, full and on off, Starc leans ahead and eases it into the off side.
109
over
109 | 7 Runs | HH: 439/7
108.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Short and slow on off, punched to mid off.
108.5
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Length-delivery outside off. Starc punches down straight and gets a single to long off.
108.4
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Full on the stumps. Smith knocks it down to long off for a single.
108.3
4
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, FOUR! Good shot! Full and on off, Smith clears the front foot and lofts it inside-out. The ball dribbles towards the deep cover fence. Nitish Kumar Reddy does the hard yards from long on, sprints to his left and puts in a slide to flick the ball in but his efforts go in vain as the replay showed that he had the ball in hand while he contacted the boundary cushions.
108.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Around the stumps, on a length, on middle, tucked away down to long on for one.
108.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Sprayed down leg. Left alone by Starc.
108
over
108 | 6 Runs | HH: 432/7
107.6
1
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Full on off, Mitchell Starc drives it inside-out to deep cover for a single.
107.5
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Beaten! More closer to the off-pole, a bit of an in-dipper, on a fuller length, turning away. Starc is drawn forward as he lunges out to defend, and gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball leaves him.
107.4
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Slow again, pitched full and outside off, left alone by Starc.
107.3
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Slow and full, outside off, and turns away. Starc leans on and leaves.
107.2
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Flat and on a length, on the pads, Steven Smith nudges it to deep square leg for a single.
107.1
4
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, FOUR! No respite for anyone! Sundar is back on and drops a full ball, on the leg stump line, Steven Smith shuffles a bit across and paddles it towards deep fine for a boundary.
107
over
107 | 6 Runs | HH: 426/7
106.6
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Nice and full, slower through the air, around off, Smith drives it with the spin towards deep cover and strolls for a single.
106.5
4
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, FOUR! Thrashed away and Smith is not even bothered to run! Pitched full and just outside off, with a hint of turn, Steven Smith sits down on his knee and drags the slog sweep through mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.
106.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Flat and floated up, full and around off, Smith looks to paddle it away but misses.
106.3
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Much fuller this time, on the stumps, Mitchell Starc sits down and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.
106.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Full again, on middle, Starc leans on and pushes it back to Jadeja.
106.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Nice and full on middle, turned away to square leg by Starc.
106
over
106 | 9 Runs | HH: 420/7
105.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Angling down leg on a length, Steven Smith misses to glance off the hips.
105.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Nagging length, on off, Smith gets on the back foot and punches it onto the surface.
105.4
1
Mohammed Siraj to Mitchell Starc, A tad bit full in length, on off, Starc drills it to wide of mid off for a single.
105.4
5
Mohammed Siraj to Mitchell Starc, FIVE WIDES! Wayward from Siraj! Way too short, just takes off from the surface. Starc ducks under it and it just flies over Pant who leaps in the air, but does not get any glove on it. The ball bullets behind to the fence.
105.3
1
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Back of a length, outside off, Smith hangs back and cuts it square to deep backward point for a single.
105.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Oh, hello! Siraj follows Smith who charges down the track and looks to heave it across. Siraj anticipates it early and targets the bodyline, on the leg stump line, and on a shortish length. Smith swings and misses.
105.1
2
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Length, just outside off, Steven Smith eases the cut to deep backward point for a brace.
105
over
105 | 0 Runs | HH: 411/7
104.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Starc now tucks this short ball to short leg. A wicket-maiden over from Jadeja!
104.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Identical line and length, no room on offer, on middle and leg, turning in from a shortish length. Starc again attempts to tuck it across but misses and wears it on the thigh pad.
104.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, This one turns in again, from middle on a length, Starc looks to work across but gets pinged on the pads.
104.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Short in length, on the middle and leg, tapped away to mid-wicket.
104.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Slow and on a shortish length, turning into the batter from middle. Starc is trapped in front and gets hit on the thigh pad.
Mitchell Starc walks out at number 9 for Australia.
104.1
W
Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Cummins falls just one short of his half-century and it is Jadeja who breaks the deadlock of wickets for India! This is pitched too full and on off, Pat Cummins gets his front foot out of his way and tries to clear the cover region. Tries to hit it aerially and inside-out but just doesn't get his bat under the ball properly. Hence, gets no real timing on it and it just sails behind the cover region off the toe-end. Nitish Kumar Reddy stationed at the cover region scoots to his left and puts in a slide to take a fine catch in the end.
104
over
104 | 12 Runs | HH: 411/6
103.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Hard length, just outside off, Smith gets behind the line and knocks it with soft hands to the short cover region. 12 runs off this over and Australia have stepped their foot on the accelerator now.
103.5
4
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, FOUR! That has been belted away! Back of a length, just outside off, Steven Smith charges down the track and slaps it through cover-point for a cracking boundary.
103.4
6
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, SIX! It just keeps getting better from Smith now! A loosener especially for someone who has notched his century! A predictable bumper from Siraj, down leg, Steven Smith shuffles to the off-stump and pulls it aerially behind deep fine for a six.
103.3
1
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Cummins moves to 49! Length ball, on top of middle, Cummins hops on the back foot and taps it with soft hands near short mid-wicket for a single.
103.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, A bumper, a real effort ball, at 142.2 kph, on the off stump line. Cummins sits under it and lets it sail over.
103.1
1
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Australia bring up their 400 now! On a good length and angling into the leg stump. Smith misses to flick it away, and gets a deflection off the front thigh pad and the ball rolls towards fine leg for a leg bye.
103
over
103 | 5 Runs | HH: 399/6
102.6
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, The 100-run stand is up between these two now! Full on the middle stump. Smith drills it to long off for a single.
102.5
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, Shorter and outside off. Cummins slaps it to deep cover for a single.
102.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, Tad full and outside off, punched away to backward point.
102.3
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Slow and short, on off again with a bit of some turn, Steven Smith punches it through cover for a single.
102.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, Slow and short, on off, cut away pretty late by Cummins, past the backward point fielder for a single.
102.1
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Short and on off, cut away to deep point by Smith for one.
102
over
102 | 15 Runs | HH: 394/6
101.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Bouncer on off and middle. Cummins ducks safely under it.
101.6
5
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, FIVE WIDES! It is going all wrong for India at the moment! Banged in short and it just takes off the surface on the bodyline, Pat Cummins ducks under it and the ball flies over the leaping Pant and races away to the fence.
101.5
4
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, FOUR! These runs from Cummins will sting India, a lot! A good effort by Jaiswal, but could have done much better! Good length and just outside the off stump. Cummins hangs back and punches it through cover point. Yashasvi Jaiswal does all the hard yards from deep backward point, sprints across and dives but only parries it into the fence.
101.4
1
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Bashes the hard length, into the leg stump. Smith misses the flick and gets hit on the front thigh pad and rolls through square leg for a leg bye.
101.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Back of a length and angling into the middle stump. Smith misses to tuck it away and gets a hit on he thigh pad.
101.2
1
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Touch full and on off, Cummins gives himself some room by backing away and punches to wide of cover for a single.
101.1
4
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, FOUR! Poor and punished! Back of a length, on top of off, sits up nicely for the batter and Cummins rises with the bounce, cuts it to deep backward point for a cracking boundary.
101
over
101 | 8 Runs | HH: 379/6
100.6
4
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, FOUR! TEST TON NUMBER 34 FOR STEVEN SMITH! A glorious stroke to bring up a glorious hundred. Oh, he does love to bat at the MCG, doesn't he? His 5th century at this venue as well! Fuller one, just outside off. Smith gets the width and cracks the drive through covers. Mid off chases it to the fence but the ball wins the race eventually. Smith is over the moon and takes of his helmet and raises his bat in the air, soaking in all the applause from the crowd at the MCG! An immaculate knock from the Aussie veteran.
100.5
2
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, The scoreboard keeps ticking for 'Straya'! Smith moves to 99 now! Back of a length and just outside off. Smith arches back and punches it to the widish deep point region and hustles back for a second.
100.4
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Pat Cummins, A gentle-paced delivery by Nitish, on a length, around off, Pat Cummins leans back and cuts it to deep backward point for a single.
100.3
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Pat Cummins, Back of a length, on top of middle, Pat Cummins plays it back to the bowler with a straight bat.
100.2
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Angling on the pads again, on a length, Smith steers it towards deep square leg for a single.
100.1
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Length ball, onto the pads, nudged away to short mid-wicket by Smith.
Drinks! Unarguably, Australia's hour. This seventh-wicket stand between Smith and Cummins has already added 72 runs now and has proved to be the cog in the wheel for India's late surge on the first day. But in all fairness, the Indian bowlers have looked out of plans. Barring Bumrah, hardly anyone has created chances or troubled the batters. And one feels that the Indians have gone a bit more defensive, just waiting for the batters to commit a mistake. Their best bet was to run through the Aussie tail with the new ball, but they just couldn't utilize it to their benefit. As things stand, Australia are marching towards a mammoth total now and India need some really extraordinary stuff from their bowlers to get rid of Smith, who is on the cusp of a well-deserved century. Cummins too, has provided an exceptional support under pressure.
100
over
100 | 3 Runs | HH: 371/6
99.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Another appeal for LBW but this way more stifled and comfortably missing leg as well. Good length, slanted back in from wider on the crease, pitches on middle and darts back in, Pat Cummins is caught on the crease and gets pinged on the pads
99.5
1
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Fuller one angled in on the pads, Smith works it away well in front of square on the leg side and picks up another single.
99.4
1
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Risky single but well-judged in the end! An inch or two less fuller than a yorker and around off, Cummins gets low and leans on before easing it away to the left of covers for a single.
99.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Floated up nice and full, right at the stumps as well, Cummins gets halfway forward and pushes it away to mid on.
99.2
1
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Shortish length, slanting ut on the pads, Smith gets inside the line and works it away well behind square leg for a run.
99.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Ooh, more than half an appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down. Slingy delivery from Siraj, dished out a bit full and on off, Steven Smith with a loose attempted defense off the front foot and gets an inside edge onto the back leg.
99
over
99 | 3 Runs | HH: 368/6
98.6
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Hard length around off, Smith presses back and across before nudging it away through backward square leg for a single.
98.5
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Floated up full and on the stumps, Smith gets across a bit and punches the ball away down to mid on.
98.4
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, There's that uneven bounce again! Just short of a good length around middle, this one straightens and takes off after hitting the deck, Smith is taken aback and takes a blow to the forearm.
98.3
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Pat Cummins, Too short and too wide, Pat Cummins thrashes it away to the fielder at sweeper cover and turns the strike over.
98.2
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Pat Cummins, Nice line and length from Reddy! On a good length, floated up in the channel around off and nibbling away off the deck, Cummins has a poke at it but bails out of the shot.
98.1
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Gentle-paced delivery, a touch short and over middle and leg, Smith uses his wrists and turns it behind square leg for a single.
Double change. Nitish Kumar Reddy (5-0-10-0) replaces Jasprit Bumrah.
98
over
98 | 0 Runs | HH: 365/6
97.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, A maiden to begin the new spell from Siraj! Short of a length and some width on offer as well, Cummins leans back and punches it across but finds Ravindra Jadeja at point.
97.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Pitches the ball up on off and attacks the stumps, Pat Cummins keeps a bit of an open stance and defends it back towards the bowler.
97.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Slightly full again on middle and leg, angled into the pads, Cummins plays all over the ball again and gets struck on the pads.
97.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Slingy delivery, a shade fuller and angled into the pads, Cummins looks to flick but misses and wears it on the pads.
97.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Good length around the top of off, just angling in a bit, Cummins trusts the bounce and leaves it on height.
97.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Begins with a full ball, darting it in just around the off stump, Pat Cummins pushes it out on the off side.
As anticipated by the on-air commentators, Mark Nicholas and Sunil Gavaskar, Mohammed Siraj (16-2-78-0) is back on, replacing Akash Deep.
97
over
97 | 6 Runs | HH: 365/6
96.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, A dot to end but this partnership is really starting to bother India now. Just back of a length and at the hips, turned away into the leg side.
96.5
6
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, SIX! Steven Smith moves into the 90s in style! A bouncer from Bumrah, over middle and leg, Smith is quick to get inside the line and hooks it all the way over fine leg for a biggie.
96.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Fuller in length and around off, speared in from wide of the crease, Steven Smith gets across and brings out the on drive but finds the fielder at mid on.
A slight halt as there was an intruder who just steamed in towards the pitch area. He ran close to Rohit Sharma stationed at the slip cordons who just about managed to back away from him. Also, the invader ran towards Virat Kohli before he was stopped. The yellow-clad security guards were after him and somehow got him away from the playing area. We are good to continue now.
96.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, On a good length and in the channel, nipping away with some extra bounce, Smith leaves it alone.
96.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Slightly pitched up and angling back in from the fifth stump line, Smith gets across and covers the line, blocking it with a straight bat.
96.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Oh, that flew off the deck! Attempted bumper, gets the line wrong as this is banged in on leg and angled down, good take from Rishabh Pant moving to his left.
96
over
96 | 15 Runs | HH: 359/6
95.6
4
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, FOUR! A third boundary in the over and 15 runs come off it! Fractionally short around off, Pat Cummins makes room yet again and controls the cut shot well, playing it wide of point and into the fence.
95.5
0
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, Much better from Akash! Puts more energy into this short ball and bangs it in right at the batter, Cummins backs away again looking for the ramp but is beaten for pace and bounce.
95.4
4
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, FOUR! The runs are starting to flow in this over, 11 off it already. A nothing short ball around off, Cummins has enough time to back away and brings out the ramp, playing it down to the vacant deep third region and picks up a boundary.
95.3
1
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Back of a length and sliding onto the pads, Smith stands tall and pushes it down wide of mid-wicket for a single.
95.2
2
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Hard length around off, nibbling away, Smith gets across again and manages to somehow just open the bat face and nudge it down towards deep third for a couple of more runs. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.
95.1
4
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, FOUR! Classic Steven Smith! Short of a good length and on off, Smith just gets inside the line and tickles it fine past the keeper and towards fine leg for a boundary.
95
over
95 | 2 Runs | HH: 344/6
94.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Ooh, Pat Cummins didn't quite know how to deal with that one. A well-directed short ball over middle, angled in as well, Cummins crouches down and gets inside the line but leaves his bat hanging up as the ball whizzes past him and into the keeper's gloves.
94.5
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Good running! Hard length on off, Smith gets across and bunts it away in front of square leg for a quick single.
94.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, That in-between length now, bowled from wider on the crease and darted back in from well outside off, Steven Smith gets across but leaves it alone as the ball pings the front pad.
94.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Short of a length over middle and angling in, Smith gets inside the line and tucks it down in front of square leg.
94.2
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Oh, so nearly the perfect execution from Bumrah! Short ball, angled right into the ribs and at an awkward height, Cummins hops and manages to just nudge it away behind Yashasvi Jaiswal at short leg and picks up a single.
94.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Good-length delivery, attacking the off stump line, gets some extra bounce on this one, Pat Cummins defends it off the higher part of the bat and towards gully.
94
over
94 | 0 Runs | HH: 342/6
93.6
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Yet another maiden for India! Ends the over with a bumper, bowled a bit too short and outside off, Smith easily ducks under it.
93.5
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Pitches it a bit further up and around the off stump line, Smith is quick to get across and defends it with a straight bat.
93.4
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Similar line and length to the previous delivery but this time, Steven Smith leaves it alone.
93.3
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Nicely bowled by Akash Deep. On a hard length, keeping it in the channel around off and gets it to nip away late off the deck, Smith is found chasing after it and gets beaten past the outside edge.
93.2
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Bangs in a bumper now, over leg again and just angling down, Steven Smith walks across and gets inside the line before leaving it alone for the keeper.
93.1
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Good-length delivery on leg and this one just slides down, Smith gets inside the line and makes a leave.
93
over
93 | 0 Runs | HH: 342/6
92.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Back-to-back maidens for Bumrah as he continues to hunt for another wicket. Bowls this one right up to the batter, just around off and gets it to swing away late, Cummins is beaten all ends up as the ball nips past the outside edge.
92.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Another short ball, around middle but not much bite on it, just some uneven bounce, Pat Cummins looks to fend and the ball pops up around where short leg would have been.
92.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Good bumper that! Banged in short over middle, gets it at a decent height and angles it back in over that front shoulder, Cummins manages to duck under it.
92.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Fuller in length on middle, angled in sharply as well, Cummins shows the full face of the bat and plays it toward mid off.
92.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Bowled from a bit wider on the crease and angled in on a shorter length, this one straightens and sits up but Cummins just has a loose poke at it and gets beaten past the outside edge.
92.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Nagging length, pitching it up a bit on the off stump line, Cummins prods halfway and pushes it to cover.
92
over
92 | 10 Runs | HH: 342/6
91.6
1
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, A bumper now, directed right around the front shoulder, Cummins does well to get inside the line and pulls it down to fine leg for a single.
91.5
4
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, FOUR! Nicely done! Just a bit too full and outside off, Pat Cummins leans across a bit and just eases into the cover drive, playing it wide of extra cover and the ball races away to the fence.
91.4
0
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, Full and around off, Pat Cummins looks to jam his bat down and play it through covers but end up getting an inner edge across to the fielder in front of square leg.
91.3
1
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Back of a length and around off, slanting back in, Smith gets inside the line and the ball comes off the thigh pads and rolls toward short fine leg as they pick up a leg bye.
91.3
2
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, No ball! Fractionally short and angled into the hips, nudged away behind square leg for a single and Akash Deep has overstepped yet again.
91.2
2
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, Good-length delivery, in and around off stump, Cummins hangs back and nudges it behind point for a couple of quick runs.
91.1
0
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, Length ball, angled well down the leg side, Cummins looks to flick but is well beaten.
91
over
91 | 0 Runs | HH: 332/6
90.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, A high-quality maiden from Bumrah! A bit short and a bit too wide outside off and this time, Smith makes a much easier leave.
90.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Beaten again! Keeps the length a bit full and the line around off, getting the ball to nibble away, Steven Smith once again ends up playing just inside the line of the ball.
90.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Edged and taken! Oh, it's come off the flap of the back pad! Top bowling this from Bumrah, bowled quite full and in that corridor of uncertainty, getting the ball to seam away sharply. Smith gets across to block with a straight bat but is beaten past the outside edge and Rishabh Pant dives to his right to gobble up the fake catch.
90.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Just a fraction short and angled in from around off, Steven Smith looks to get forward and across but the ball just shapes away a touch and squares him up before flying past the outside edge.
90.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Nice and full again, on the fifth stump line and gently swinging away, Smith makes yet another watchful leave.
90.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Pitched up wide of the off stump line and this one seams away off the deck, Steven Smith leaves it alone.
90
over
90 | 7 Runs | HH: 332/6
89.6
1
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Half a shout for LBW but probably too high! Hard length again and angled back in from outside off, Smith tries to get inside the line and flick but the ball goes off the top of his pads and towards square leg. Smith picks up a leg bye as well.
89.5
4
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, FOUR! Top shot from Steven Smith. Hard length outside off, a bit too much room and Smith presses forward and caresses it away through the point region for another boundary.
89.4
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Banged into the pitch, short and wide, and going further away, left alone by Smith.
89.3
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Pitched-up delivery, in the channel around off and at 135 clicks, good carry on that one as Smith shoulders arms.
89.2
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Pushed a couple of inches fuller and in the channel around off, Smith stays back in his crease and blocks it off.
89.1
1
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, Good length again and around off, Cummins pushes at it with soft hands and gets it in front of covers for a quick run.
89.1
1
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, NO BALL! Nicely bowled but Akash Deep has overstepped here. Immaculate length, right around the top of off and nibbling away, Pat Cummins looks to block but the ball zips past the outside edge.
89
over
89 | 5 Runs | HH: 325/6
88.6
4
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, FOUR! Edged away! Full and outside off, Steven Smith gets right across the off stump and presents the full face of the bat only to get an outside edge between the slip cordon and gully for a boundary.
88.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Good-length delivery, darted in on middle stump, Smith gets across but has enough time to block it off with a straight bat.
88.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Bumrah drags the length back a bit more and angles it in from outside off, Smith gets across and plays all over it, getting hit on the thigh pads.
88.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Short of a good length now and around off, shooting off the deck a bit, Smith gets across and nicely behind it to make the block.
88.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Just a smidge fuller and on the fifth stump line, swinging away nicely, and Steven Smith leaves it alone.
88.1
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Bumrah now comes over the wicket and bowls it on a nagging length, angling it into the off pole. Cummins lets the ball come on and defends it in front of covers for a quick single.
88
over
88 | 0 Runs | HH: 320/6
87.6
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, A maiden from Akash to begin with! Floated up full and on a tighter line around off, Smith looks to drive but ends up squeezing it away to the fielder at extra cover.
87.5
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Just too full and too wide from Akash Deep at the moment, Steven Smith watches it sail past him and into the keeper's mitts.
87.4
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Back of a length and around off, Smith looks to get across and punch off the back foot but gets hurried a bit and ends up nudging it down towards cover.
87.3
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Darts in a straighter ball now, full again and at middle, Smith gets across and inside the line before pushing it down to mid on.
87.2
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Keeps the length full but pushes it a fair bit more wide of the off stump, Smith looks to get forward but makes yet another leave.
87.1
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Bowls it full and wide outside the off stump line, Smith watches it all the way and opts to leave it alone.
Not Bumrah, but it will be Akash Deep to operate from the far end.
87
over
87 | 9 Runs | HH: 320/6
86.6
1
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, A single to end and 9 runs come off the first over of Day 2! Hard length outside off, Smith presses back and nudges it in front of point for an easy single.
86.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Just back of a length and outside off, Steven Smith gets back and across to make the block.
86.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, This is bowled a bit shorter and outside off, Smith leaves it alone.
86.3
3
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Sloppy work in the field by Washington Sundar and this is a quick start for Australia. Good-length delivery darted into the pads, Cummins tucks it away just to the right of square leg and a misfield there allows the batters to end up with three runs.
86.2
4
Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, FOUR! Runs straightaway for Cummins! Floated up outside off and swinging away, Cummins leans across and just pushes at it with soft hands and gets it behind point for a boundary.
86.1
1
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Drop and run! Starts from over the wicket and bowls it on a good length around off, Steven Smith gets across and nudges it down into the off side for a quick single.
All in readiness for Day 2 to begin! It is cooler compared to the first day and a bit overcast, which might help the pacers extract some movement. The umpires are in position and the Indian players have started to take their places on the field as well. The Indian players are wearing the black armbands to pay tribute to the passing of the former Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at the age of 92. The duo of Steven Smith and Pat Cummins is all set to resume their overnight stay at the crease as well. It will be Mohammed Siraj to begin proceedings with the ball here. Let's go...
While Australia's 311 puts them in a solid position, with Steve Smith holding fort on an unbeaten 68, their ambitions of a match-defining 450-plus total now hinge on his ability to marshal the tail. The morning session looms as a critical phase with the new ball that's still swinging and the odd one getting that extra bite, combined with fresh Indian bowlers hunting in the right areas, could quickly wrap up the Australian innings. Yet if Smith can weather the early storm and find support from the lower order, Australia could well dash India out of the contest. Who will dominate the proceedings on the second day? We will find out together. Stay tuned as the first ball of Day 2 is not far away from now.
One might argue that India's initial struggles stemmed from bowling a bit too short and wide of the stumps, giving Australian batters free rein. Yet a mid-day adjustment to fuller lengths and stump-focused lines finally brought the some control, significantly curbing the scoring rate, before Steven Smith and Alex Carey formed a solid partnership of 65 runs to give Australia that one more push in the final session which took them beyond the 300-run mark.
While Australia dominated most of the day on a pitch where it had a fair share of something for both batting and bowling, India found their bite in the final session courtesy of a Jasprit Bumrah special. The ace paceman redeemed himself and flipped the script with a devastating spell, that saw Australia stumble from a position of strength at 237/2 to a wobbly 246/5 in just a handful of overs. But it was Washington Sundar who provided the crucial breakthrough, prizing out a well-set Marnus Labuschagne to trigger Australia's late collapse. The off-spinner's timely strike opened the floodgates, before Bumrah capitalized with his lethal spell that transformed a day of Australian dominance into a fascinating contest heading into Day 2.
Australia may have finally cracked their opening conundrum, thanks to a dazzling debutant who fears no reputation. Sam Konstas announced himself on the Test stage with a electrifying run-a-ball fifty, bringing a breath of fresh air to Australia's top order. The newcomer's audacity was on full display as he took on India's spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, unfurling several adventurous reverse lap shots that spoke volumes of his confidence. Including him, the top 4 notched up their respective fifties and put the hosts under commanding position.
Hello, everyone! The Boxing Day Test at the illustrious Melbourne Cricket Ground continues and we are here for you with all the coverage of Day 2. The opening day was absolutely action-packed and the spectators had every single penny worth it. The match hangs pretty much in balance after what prevailed on the first day, with the momentum slightly tilted towards hosts. However, the tourists, India pulled back things to balance it out. As a result, out of three sessions played so far, both teams have won one session each, with one being a shared one.
... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, on the surface, it seems like Australia are in command but given the up and down we have seen on Day 1, it isn't going to be as easy to bat on going forward and India will be eyeing up early wickets on Day 2. If Australia get anywhere close to 400 runs, then India will have to bat out of their skins to even things up but that's for later. Day 2 will begin on Friday, 27 December at 5 am IST (11.30 pm GMT, the previous day) but you can join us an hour in advance for the build-up. Cheers!
The third and final session was where things came back to life and a lot happened in it as well. For the first 45 minutes or so, the pair of Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith dominated proceedings. All of the top 4 Aussie batters notched up half-centuries but Marnus fell right after the drinks break, triggering a mini-collapse that saw India pick up 3 wickets in the space of 9 runs. But that was as good as it got for the visitors for a while as Smith piled on the runs and Alex Carey gave him good support, playing positive strokes. However, Akash Deep dug in deep and bowled a pearler with the second new ball to Carey, allowing India to get into the Aussie tail before the day ended.
The first session belonged to Australia even after Ravindra Jadeja sent back Konstas for 60 and it was then in the second session that everything just started to slow down. Khawaja raked in a half-century as well but fell after playing a poor shot and India managed to keep the scoring rate to a minimum and got some teeth into the game.
The Boxing Day Test began with a few quiet overs from the Indian pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj but once Usman Khawaja got that first boundary away off Siraj, the 19-year-old debutant, Sam Konstas came into life. He didn't care for Bumrah's stature or his excellence and simply took him down, even managing to hit a reverse-lap six off him, a six that Bumrah conceded after 4484 balls in Test cricket.
An engrossing and entertaining Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, two big teams playing in front of about 87,000-plus fans at the Colosseum of world cricket that is the Melbourne Cricket Ground - it simply doesn't get better than this! At the end of the day though, it will be the Aussies who will be the happier of the two sides heading into Day 2 but not by much and will look to put a substantial first-innings score on the board.
86
over
86 | 3 Runs | HH: 311/6
85.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Bumrah fires it straight and full, attacks the stumps. Pat Cummins is watchful in his approach and pushes it firmly back to the bowler. And that will be STUMPS ON DAY 1 AT THE MCG!
85.5
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, An attempted yorker right in front of the stumps, with a bit of shape in, Pat Cummins jams his bat down in time and the ball goes on the bounce to Jaiswal stationed at short leg. He gets his right hand out to stop but the ball deflects off his fingers to the deep square leg region for a couple of runs.
85.5
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Bangs it short and into the surface, but going down leg. Cummins leaves. Also, a NO BALL called for overstepping.
85.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Angles it on the middle and leg stump, on a length. Pat Cummins tucks it across to mid-wicket.
85.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Just around off, curving back in a touch on a length. Pat Cummins makes a tight leave for the keeper to collect.
85.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Sharp shape into the batter on a length, and on middle. Pat Cummins is watchful and blocks it out off the inner half of the bat.
85.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Short of a good length, just outside off, Cummins leaves it alone.
85
over
85 | 5 Runs | HH: 308/6
84.6
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Hurls it full and on the stumps, Smith with a firm push to the mid on region to end the over.
84.5
1
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, Length and just outside off, Cummins opens the bat face and guides it to deep backward point for a single.
84.4
4
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, EDGED AND FOUR! Handy runs for Australia and Cummins! Pitched fuller and around off, Pat Cummins prods ahead for a front foot block, but gets a healthy outside edge. The ball races away to the deep third boundary through the right of the third slip.
84.3
0
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, A bit of shape into the batter, around off on a good length. Pat Cummins lets the ball arrive at him and knocks it to the off side with soft hands.
84.2
0
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, Angling down leg again, on a shorter length. Pat Cummins sways out of the line and lets the ball sail to the keeper.
84.1
0
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, Sliding down the leg side on a length. Cummins misses to work it across and the ball zips through to the keeper.
84
over
84 | 3 Runs | HH: 303/6
83.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Pitched outside off, on a shorter length, Steven Smith offers no shot at it.
83.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Back of a length, attacking the off-pole, Steven Smith covers the stumps and knocks it to point with soft hands.
83.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Short of a good length, angling in but staying just outside off, Steven Smith shuffles across a bit, checks the delivery and makes a tight leave.
83.3
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Bumrah stretches his length and goes fuller on middle, Pat Cummins bends low and taps it to cover-point for a single.
83.2
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, An inswinger again from Bumrah, full and on the pads, Cummins misses to connect and the ball deflects off his front pad and runs away to the fine leg region. They cross for two leg byes.
83.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, An appeal for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. Bumrah targets the stumps by swinging the ball into the batter on a fuller length. Pat Cummins misses to flick it away and plays over the line. Wears it on the front pad.
83
over
83 | 1 Runs | HH: 300/6
82.6
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, OUCH! That must have stung him badly! Akash Deep brings the stumps into play and bowls it on a nagging length, with a hint of an inward movement. Steven Smith walks down the track to negate the movement but plays down the wrong line and takes the blow right on the box. He agonizes in a bit of discomfort.
82.5
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, An inswinger on a shortish length, angling on middle, Steven Smith fends it to point.
82.4
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Serves it on a good length and outside off, Smith shuffles across and defends off the outer half to point.
82.3
1
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, The 300 comes up for Australia! Cummins misses the flick on this full ball and gets it off the inside edge and it goes off his pads to fine leg. A leg bye taken.
82.2
0
Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, Good length outside off. Cummins taps it back to the bowler.
Aussie skipper, Pat Cummins walks out to bat now.
82.1
W
Akash Deep to Alex Carey, OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT BEHIND! Akash Deep deserves this one as he beat the edges on numerous occasions. India has bounced back into the contest and how? Australia 6 men down now. Akash serves the new ball on a good length, which lands, nips away a shy bit, and bounces a bit more off the pitch. The line of attack is around the fourth stump line, and Alex Carey is taken aback by that extra bit of bounce and just hangs his bat in the way. It just does nip enough and goes off the faint outside edge and Rishabh Pant does the rest behind the wickets with a regulation catch.
Akash Deep comes back in to share the second new ball with Jasprit Bumrah.
82
over
82 | 7 Runs | HH: 299/5
81.6
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, Angles it in, on the pads, on a fuller length, Carey knocks it across to wide of mid-wicket for a quick single. 7 runs from the first over against the new ball for Australia.
81.5
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, Shapes back into the batter now, on a fuller length, Alex Carey flicks it aerially using his wrists and the ball lands it behind the mid-wicket region. The batters hurry back for the second run.
81.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, An outswinger on offer, fuller and outside off, Alex Carey prods forward and drives it firmly to cover where the fielder makes a good diving stop to his right.
81.3
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, This one curves away from the left-hander from a fuller length, outside off, Alex Carey gets forward and drives it firmly to deep cover for two more runs. This brings up the 50-run stand between Carey and Smith.
81.2
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, IN THE AIR...Lands safe! Length ball, on off, angling further in, Alex Carey charges down the ground and chips it over mid on for a couple of runs.
81.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, Bumrah steams in from around the stumps. Gets a good bit of tail back into the batter, on middle and fuller in length. Alex Carey misses to flick it across and gets rapped on the front pad. An appeal for LBW, but only Pant was interested on that one.
Right then, Rohit Sharma has opted to take the second new ball now. An, it will be Jasprit Bumrah who is back on the field to take it.
81
over
81 | 1 Runs | HH: 292/5
80.6
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Nagging length, on the fourth stump, Smith taps it into the off side with soft hands.
80.5
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Angling outside off, on a good length, Steven Smith leaves it alone.
80.4
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Short again, on off, Steven Smith gets on the back foot and blocks it with a straight bat.
80.3
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Short and outside off, slightly nipping back in, Steven Smith gets in the line of the ball and knocks it onto the pitch.
80.2
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Alex Carey, Onto the pads on a good length, Alex Carey glances it off his hips to deep backward square leg for a single.
80.1
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Alex Carey, Reddy continues and bashes the hard length, on top of off, Carey rises with the bounce and taps it with soft hands to the bowler.
The second new ball is now available for India. Will Rohit Sharma take it right away? No, not yet and it will be Nitish Kumar Reddy to continue bowling with the old ball.
80
over
80 | 0 Runs | HH: 291/5
79.6
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Very slow through the air, at 86.3 kph, on middle, Steven Smith defends this full ball back to the bowler.
79.5
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Flatter and on a length, over middle, Steven Smith stays leg side of the ball and punches it to cover.
79.4
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Much fuller this time, on middle and leg, Smith gets ahead and works it to the leg side.
79.3
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Drags the length back, on middle, Smith swats it to square leg.
79.2
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Nice and full, pitching outside leg, Steven Smith turns it to short leg.
79.1
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Too full, on off, Smith leans ahead and pushes it back to Sundar.
79
over
79 | 3 Runs | HH: 291/5
78.6
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Alex Carey, Nitish bowls from wide of the crease and hurls it around off on a length. Alex Carey plays over the line as it jags back in a touch. Gets a faint inside edge onto the pads.
78.5
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Alex Carey, Angling it in on middle, on a fuller length, Alex Carey plays it with a straight bat and pushes it to mid on.
78.4
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Half-tracker on off, Steven Smith covers the stumps by moving in the line of the ball, looks to block but gets an inside edge to deep square leg for a single.
78.3
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Alex Carey, Around the stumps now to Carey. Short and angling on the leg stump, Alex Carey squats at it and pulls it very fine towards deep fine and picks up a single.
78.2
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Digs it in short and on off, Steven Smith rises with the bounce and guides it to the cover-point region for a single.
78.1
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Length, on the fifth stump line, Steven Smith presses forward and knocks it to cover.
78
over
78 | 2 Runs | HH: 288/5
77.6
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Full in length, on the leg stump, Steven Smith plays it with the spin and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
77.5
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Looped up, full and on middle, Steven Smith clears the front foot and drives it to straighter mid off.
77.4
1
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Darts it in quicker and fuller on middle and leg, Alex Carey flicks it to wide of mid on for a single.
77.3
0
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Very slow, on off and full in length, Alex Carey leans on it and defends it out.
77.2
0
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Slower through the air, outside off on a length and turns away. Carey rocks back and slashes it hard but finds the fielder at cover.
77.1
0
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Floats it full and wide of off, spinning away sharply. Carey leaves.
77
over
77 | 4 Runs | HH: 286/5
76.6
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Alex Carey, Slightly full and across off, Carey prods ahead and drives it past covers for a single.
76.5
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Short of a good length, outside off with some more bounce on it. Steven Smith is taken aback a bit by that excessive bounce, but does well enough to cut it square to backward point for a single.
76.4
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Nagging length, outside off again, Steven Smith watches the ball closely and lets it be.
76.3
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Hard length, outside off, Smith covers the stumps and leaves it alone.
76.2
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Alex Carey, Full and on middle and leg, at a gentle pace. Carey leans on the ball and clips it past square leg for a single.
76.1
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Nitish Kumar Reddy replaces Mohammed Siraj. With Pant up near the wickets, Nitish hurls it on a back of a length, just outside off, Steven Smith stays in his crease and looks to play a lazy cut stroke, but inside edges and nearly chops on. The ball dribbles over the pegs and runs to the fine leg region for a single.
76
over
76 | 3 Runs | HH: 282/5
75.6
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Pitched up, full and on the stumps, Smith clips it along the ground and with the spin to deep mid-wicket for a single to end the over.
75.6
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, NO BALL called for overstepping! This one drifts across off, Smith opens the bat face and dabs it to point.
75.5
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Full again, on middle and leg, Steven Smith takes his front foot out and knocks it to the leg side. Sundar moves to his right and stops the ball, just near the strip.
75.4
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Looped up, full and on middle, Steven Smith leans on and defends it back to the bowler.
75.3
1
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Back of a length, around off, Carey hangs back and cuts it to wide of point for a quick single.
75.2
0
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Slides it into the left-hander on a fuller length, Alex Carey is hurried onto the back foot and cuts it to backward point.
75.1
0
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Floats it outside off, on a length, left alone by Carey.
DRINKS! Well, well, it's Boxing Day and we are seeing some punches being thrown by both teams in this final session. After the previous drinks break, Australia lost three quick wickets as Jasprit Bumrah once again showed why he is arguably the best in the business with his double whammy after Washington Sundar sent Marnus Labuschagne packing. Since then though, Steven Smith has remained resolute and Alex Carey has also come out with positive intent as the pair look to take Australia well beyond the 300-run mark at the end of Day 1. This last 45 minutes or so could shape the entire Test match. Also, Bumrah is seen leaving the field of play and replays show that he might have a bit of a niggle in the left calf, hopefully he is fine.
75
over
75 | 3 Runs | HH: 279/5
74.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Good length, angling into the body. Smith gets across and tucks it to short mid-wicket with soft hands.
74.5
1
Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, Good length and just outside off. Carey leans forward and pushes it to cover where Jaiswal makes an error. He misfields and parries it to wide of mid off. They cross for a single. The camera pans on Rohit Sharma who is visibly not happy with these silly errors in the field.
74.4
2
Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, Fraction full and on the leg stump line, Alex Carey brings his bat ahead of the pads and plays it with a straight bat. Strokes it to wide of mid on where Jasprit Bumrah fumbles in the field which allows them to scamper back for the second run.
74.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, BEATEN! Back of a length, just nibbling away enough to beat the outside edge of Carey who hangs his bat away from his body to punch it away to the off side.
74.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, Sliding down leg on a fullish length, Alex Carey misses to flick it away, and the ball is collected on the dive by Rishabh Pant to his right.
74.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, Hits the deck hard, on top of off, Alex Carey gets behind the line and taps it onto the surface with soft hands.
74
over
74 | 7 Runs | HH: 276/5
73.6
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Short of a good length, onto the pads, Steven Smith hangs back and tucks it across to mid-wicket.
73.5
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Dropped full and on the stumps, clipped away to mid-wicket by Smith.
73.4
1
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Full and on middle and leg. Carey gets down on a knee and paddles it to fine leg for a single.
73.3
6
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, SIX! SLOGGED AWAY NEATLY! This time, it's Carey! Washington Sundar drops a genuine half-volley, right into the slot, around off, Alex Carey sits down on his knee and slogs it aerially and deposits it behind long on for a huge six.
73.2
0
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Flat and on middle and leg, Alex Carey rocks back and stabs it to short mid-wicket.
73.1
0
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Around the stumps, floated up, full and on middle, Carey lunges ahead and pushes it back to Sundar.
73
over
73 | 11 Runs | HH: 269/5
72.6
6
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, SIX! HAMMERED AWAY BEYOND THE ROPES! Siraj bends his back and bowls a short-pitched delivery, on off, Steven Smith reads the length early, gets in position quickly and pulls it aerially over and behind deep mid-wicket for a cracking six. He moves into his 60s now!
72.5
1
Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, Almost a half-tracker, just around off, Alex Carey weighs on the back foot by leaning back. Cuts it along the ground to deep backward point for a single.
72.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, Pitches it up, full and on the fourth stump, Alex Carey leans over the ball and clips it straight to mid on.
72.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, Around the stumps now. Full and outside off, Carey strides across and knocks it straight to the cover fielder.
72.2
3
Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Driven nicely! He looks in good nick does Smith! Fraction fuller on off, Steven Smith takes his front foot out and drives it on the up through covers for three more runs.
72.1
1
Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, Mohammed Siraj replaces Bumrah. Lands it on a length, outside off, Alex Carey leans back while squatting on his back leg and slashes the cut through point for a single.
72
over
72 | 4 Runs | HH: 258/5
71.6
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Lands it full and on middle and leg, Steven Smith takes a good stride forward and defends it back to the bowler.
71.5
2
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Floated up, full and around off, Smith leans on and works it past backward point for a couple.
71.4
1
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, A bit of spin there for Sundar! Pitched full and around off, turning away from the southpaw a shy bit. Alex Carey is drawn forward to push it to the off side but gets an outside edge that runs to deep third for a single.
71.3
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Length ball, on the stumps, Smith hangs back and turns it to deep square leg for a single.
71.2
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, On middle and on a length, Smith tucks it across to beat the short leg fielder. The fielder there is quick to react and chases the ball, preventing any run.
71.1
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Flat and quick, on a length, across middle, Steven Smith goes back and across and defends it off the inside half of the bat. The ball goes on the bounce to the short leg fielder.
71
over
71 | 6 Runs | HH: 254/5
70.6
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, Back of a length, outside off, Alex Carey leans back and cuts it past backward point and hares back for the second run.
70.5
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, FIFTY NUMBER 42 FOR STEVEN SMITH IN TEST CRICKET! He continues his love affair with this venue as he notches up his 6th at the MCG as well! Bumrah spears in a fuller length, on middle, Steven Smith plays with an open bat face and eases it through cover-point for a single. Smith has constructed his inning masterfully and will look to convert it into a substantial one.
70.4
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, Hard length, angling onto the pads, Alex Carey steers it to deep backward square leg for a comfortable single.
70.3
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Touch fuller and on the stumps, Steven Smith moves across and opens his body. Taps the ball into the off side near cover and steals a single.
70.2
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, Keeps the line of attack on the pads, on a length, Alex Carey glances it across to deep backward square leg for a single.
70.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, Back of a length, on top of middle, Alex Carey looks to tuck it across but misses. Gets a hit on the thigh pad and the ball goes towards the short leg fielder on the bounce.
70
over
70 | 2 Runs | HH: 248/5
69.6
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Floated up full and on middle, Steven Smith gets on the front foot and heaves it towards mid on.
69.5
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Shortish length on middle, angled across and keeps a bit low, Steven Smith gets pushed back and manages to tuck it away.
69.4
1
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Fullish length again on off and middle, Carey leans on and punches it down to long off to get off the mark with a single.
69.3
0
Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, A touch full on off and angled in, Alex Carey leans forward to defend.
69.2
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Very full and on the pads, whipped across through mid-wicket by Smith for a single.
69.1
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Bowled short and around leg stump, targeting the pads, Smith plays it off the back foot and down to short fine leg.
Alex Carey is in now at number 7.
69
over
69 | 5 Runs | HH: 246/5
68.6
W
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jasprit Bumrah goes 'boom, boom' now and Australia in a bit of a slump. Bumrah serves the ball on a good length and around the top of off. Mitchell Marsh stays back in the crease and leans to pull it high and handsome over mid-wicket but the length just isn't short enough. The ball finds the cue end of the bat and Rishabh Pant makes no mistake behind the stumps moving to his right. Australia have lost 3 wickets for the last 9 runs and have lost half their side now as well.
68.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, Hard length in and around off, patted down by Marsh towards cover.
68.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, Oh, that's a rearing delivery from Bumrah and that could have gone anywhere. Just back of a length, darting back in from around off and with some steep bounce as well. Marsh is taken aback and gets it off the handle of the bat but then ball lands short of KL Rahul at gully.
68.3
4
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Nicely done by Marsh and that will give him a world of confidence. Not all that full from Bumrah, around off, nice press forward from Marsh and he just punches it away through covers and picks up a boundary.
68.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, Back of a length and outside off, cutting back in, Mitchell Marsh hops back to punch it away but gets it off the inner half of the bat onto the leg side.
68.1
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Good length at the stumps, Steven Smith gets across and gets a bit squared up and ends up pushing the ball into the off side for a quick single.
68
over
68 | 1 Runs | HH: 241/4
67.6
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, Flighted delivery, around off, Mitchell Marsh gets a good stride in and makes another block.
67.5
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, Nice and full at the stumps, Marsh leans on again and blocks it back to the bowler.
67.4
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, This one is floated up on the pads, Marsh leans on and clips it towards mid-wicket.
67.3
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, Keeps it a bit full and around off, Marsh does get forward this time and blocks it off.
67.2
0
Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, Darted in full and outside off, Mitchell Marsh goes back and across to a full-length delivery but manages to keep it out.
67.1
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Tossed up on a shortish length and on the pads, Steven Smith waits back and works it away through mid-wicket for a single.
67
over
67 | 3 Runs | HH: 240/4
66.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, A bit of uneven bounce on offer yet again. A tad full and around off, angling in but then holding its line but staying low as well. Mitchell Marsh gets squared up but does enough to get a bit of willow on it.
66.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, Just back of a length and at the body, Marsh dabs it down into the leg side.
66.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, Back to over the wicket now and Bumrah pounds the ball into the surface around off, on a good length and Mitchell Marsh blocks it off.
'The Bison,' Mitchell Marsh walks out to the middle at number 6.
66.3
W
Jasprit Bumrah to Travis Head, OUT! TIMBER! The move to bring Jasprit Bumrah back in has done wonders and India are right back in it as the wrecker-in-chief, a.k.a Travis Head departs for a duck. Bumrah goes a bit wider on the crease and spears the ball back in on a fullish length from outside off. Head shoulders arms trying to leave it on line and length but the ball just jags back in enough to find the top of off stump and Head cannot believe it. India with the double whammy and Australia are now 240/4!
66.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Travis Head, Bumrah comes around the wicket to Travis Head and angles it down the leg side, Head hops and looks to flick but misses.
66.1
3
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, An ill-timed slide from Mohammed Siraj and that costs India an extra run and could have injured Siraj himself as well. Pitched up outside off, Steven Smith just leans into the cover drive and strokes it through the infield and picks up three runs in the end.
Jasprit Bumrah (15-7-50-1) is back on. He replaces Akash Deep.
66
over
66 | 0 Runs | HH: 237/3
65.6
0
Washington Sundar to Travis Head, A wicket maiden for Sundar after the drinks break! Flatter one, angled in from around off, Head backs away and hits it towards extra cover.
65.5
0
Washington Sundar to Travis Head, Fractionally short and wide, Travis Head rocks back to cut but is unable to get it through the point region.
65.4
0
Washington Sundar to Travis Head, Sundar holds the ball back a bit and floats it wide of the off stump, Head watches it well and leaves it alone.
65.3
0
Washington Sundar to Travis Head, Bowled short of a length and around off, angling in, Head rocks back and jams the ball out into the off side.
65.2
0
Washington Sundar to Travis Head, Around the wicket to the left-hander and angles in a full ball onto middle, Travis Head plays it inside-out towards cover.
The dangerman, Travis Head walks out to the middle at number 5.
65.1
W
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, OUT! CAUGHT! Wow, would you believe it? A wicket right after the break and Marnus Labuschagne will be kicking himself. Washington Sundar tosses the ball up a bit more and bowls it full and outside off. Labuschagne looks to keep the ante up and steps out trying to go over mid off but the bat turns in his hand and he ends up hitting it just around the head of Kohli at mid off and he makes no mistake. Labuschagne falls for 72 (145) and Australia are now 237/3!
DRINKS! Another hour of play which has been thoroughly dominated by 'Straya' as they further their grip on the proceedings. The pace of scoring has been brisk enough so far as compared to the second session. The stand between Labuschagne and Smith has now added 83 runs and the two have looked nearly unbothered in this final session and these two have constructed their innings in a fine fashion, dashing out any risks and scares. Australia will be very pleased if they go unblemished through the end of the day. And considering the Australian batting depth, India would look to see both of these batters in the dugout as quickly as possible. The overhead conditions have remained overcast but it is quite warm and muggy as well. Will the break bring a breakthrough for India, or will these two stalwarts extend the scoreline further? Let's find out. Washington Sundar to continue after the hydration break.
65
over
65 | 4 Runs | HH: 237/2
64.6
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Pitched up in and around off, angling back in, Steven Smith gets across to block and does so with a straight bat.
64.5
1
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length around off, another one that bounced a bit extra but this time, Labuschagne manages to keep it down in front of point and picks up a single.
64.4
0
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh, now that's a snorter! Akash Deep has found some life in a pitch that seemed to have gotten real flat. Just short of a good length and on off, this one hits the deck and takes off with a hint of away movement, leaving Labuschagne completely bamboozled.
64.3
0
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length over middle, Labuschagne gets inside the line and plays it with the angle and down to mid-wicket.
64.2
2
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitches the ball up now on middle and leg, Labuschagne looks to flick but ends up getting an outside edge that rolls down to deep third and the batters pick up a brace.
64.1
1
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Bowled from wider on the crease, full and around off, Steven Smith gets across and just waits back before squeezing it through backward point for one.
64
over
64 | 7 Runs | HH: 233/2
63.6
0
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Back to around the wicket now and Sundar spears it across the off stump almost on a yorker length. Labuschagne gets across and right behind to make the block.
63.5
2
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length and outside off, Labuschagne rocks back and punches the ball against the angle and gets it through covers for a couple of runs.
63.4
0
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Tossed up, a bit full and around middle, Labuschagne looks to step out but has to adjust and block it off.
63.3
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Nagging length on middle, Smith advances a bit and works it away wide of mid-wicket for a single now.
63.2
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Dishes out a full and wide one now, Smith with a wristy cover drive but fails to get it into the gap this time.
63.1
4
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, FOUR! That is prime Steven Smith and the runs are really flowing in this final session on Day 1! Flighted ball around off, Smith puts his dancing shoes on and steps out before drilling the drive back past the bowler and into the long off fence.
63
over
63 | 3 Runs | HH: 226/2
62.6
0
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and around off, Labuschagne hops back to defend.
62.5
0
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery on leg and this one angles further down, Labuschagne shoulders arms at it.
62.4
3
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Fetch and hit from Steven Smith! Dropped well short and outside off, Smith goes across and pulls it like a tennis-forehand and gets it up and over wide mid-wicket for three runs in the deep.
62.3
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Just back of a length and angling into the batter, Smith looks to tuck it away but misses out.
62.2
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Pitches the ball up, in and around off stump, Steven Smith gets across and forward before blocking it with soft hands.
62.1
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Length ball around off, angling in with some additional bounce, Steven Smith gets across to push at the ball but gets it off the handle and behind square leg.
62
over
62 | 2 Runs | HH: 223/2
61.6
0
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Quicker one, looking to angle it into the pads but spills it down leg, Labuschagne leaves it alone.
61.5
0
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, On a dragged length over off and middle, Labuschagne presses back to defend.
61.4
0
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full on the pads, nudged away with soft hands in front of square leg.
61.3
0
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Floated up, full and outside off, inviting the drive, Labuschagne does go after it but fails to pierce the gap at covers.
61.2
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Floated up full and on middle, Steven Smith brings out the on drive and gets it down to long on for one more.
61.1
1
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Half a shout for LBW from behind the stumps but turned down and it is eventually given as runs off the bat as well. Full and on off, Labuschagne brings out the reverse sweep and gets an inside edge down to short third for a single.
61
over
61 | 0 Runs | HH: 221/2
60.6
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Short ball, over off and angling in, doesn't rise quite high either but Steven Smith ducks under it well.
60.5
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Beaten! Good length, on a tight line around off and just nibbling away off the deck, Steven Smith looks to play with a straight bat but the ball zips past the outside edge.
60.4
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, A mighty appeal for LBW which is once again turned down but Akash Deep still cannot believe it. Slightly full on off, angling in a touch as well. Steven Smith looks to get across but gets caught on the crease and gets pinged on the pads right in front of the stumps. No review taken and it just seemed a bit high which Ball Tracking later confirms as well.
60.3
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Pitched-up delivery and in the channel around off, angling in, Steven Smith opts to leave this one alone.
60.2
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Pitches it up a bit around off and gets the ball to jag back in a fair bit, Steven Smith goes across to play at it but gets beaten past the inner edge and wears it on the pads.
60.1
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Good length outside off and angling in, Steven Smith gets a big stride across and defends it off.
60
over
60 | 4 Runs | HH: 221/2
59.6
0
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Flighted delivery, full and outside off, Labuschagne stays leg side of the ball looking to go inside-out but ends up just jabbing it towards mid off.
59.5
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, On a length and angled into the pads, flicked away just in front of square leg for a fourth single of the over.
59.4
1
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, From over the wicket now and tossed up full on off, Labuschagne advances and then just eases it across to long on for a run.
59.3
0
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Pushed through a bit flat and around middle and leg, Labuschagne keeps it out.
59.2
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Flighted up, full again and around leg, Steven Smith takes the front leg out and pushes it wide of mid on for one more.
59.1
1
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Saves a certain boundary there does Akash Deep. Floated up full and on the legs from around the wicket, Labuschagne brings out the sweep but doesn't manage to beat backward square leg and settles for a single.
Washington Sundar (1-0-5-0) is back on, replacing Ravindra Jadeja.
59
over
59 | 9 Runs | HH: 217/2
58.6
1
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length and at the hips, Labuschagne gets inside the line and tucks it down to fine leg for a run.
58.5
2
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Sloppy fielding now from Jasprit Bumrah. Good length in and around the pads, tucked away neatly by Labuschagne towards deep mid-wicket for a single but that midfield allows the batters to pick up an extra run.
58.4
3
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Good fielding in the deep from Virat Kohli, saving a run for his side. Smith is early to walk out of his crease and Akash Deep shortens the length, squaring the batter up. Smith gets an outside edge past the slip cordon and down to deep third for three more runs.
58.3
3
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Banged in a bit short and at the bodyline, Labuschagne just gets inside the line and half-pulls it away wide of deep backward square leg and the batters do brilliantly to hurry back for the third run.
58.2
0
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Loose, too loose from Marnus! Full and wide this time and gets it to move further away, Labuschagne goes chasing after it but is beaten past the outside edge.
58.1
0
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length at the stumps, Labuschagne keeps it out.
58
over
58 | 9 Runs | HH: 208/2
57.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Pushed through quick and flat around off, Smith taps it away in front of point.
57.5
4
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, FOUR! Back-to-back! Tossed up full and at the stumps, Smith skips down the track and hits it flat and straight back over the bowler's head for four more runs.
57.4
4
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, FOUR! Steven Smith latches onto that one and brings up the 50-run stand. Too short over off, Smith rocks back and forces the pull wide of Jasprit Bumrah at mid on and picks up a boundary.
57.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, On a length and around middle, Steven Smith stays back in the crease and keeps it out.
57.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter again and into the pads, Labuschagne with a nudge away towards square leg for a single. Good running! Also, it is 3.50 pm local time in Melbourne and the whole MCG crowd is doing the hats-off tribute to the legendary Shane Warne, a brilliant gesture.
57.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Quick and flat, going on with the arm into the pads, Labuschagne blocks it down the pitch.
57
over
57 | 2 Runs | HH: 199/2
56.6
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Back of a length and around off, sitting up, Steven Smith looks to block off the back foot but gets squared up and just about keeps it out on the off side.
56.5
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Hits the deck hard and angles it down leg, Steven Smith gets well across to the off side and shoulders arms.
56.4
1
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length again, this time over middle, Labuschagne with a gentle nudge away in front of mid-wicket and he gets across quickly for one more.
56.3
1
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Hard length on the pads, angling down, Smith misses the flick and gets it off the thigh pad down to fine leg for a leg bye.
56.2
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, A prolonged appeal for LBW but yet again the umpire turns it down! Rohit Sharma has a long think about it and does go for the review. Nagging length from Akash Deep, bowled outside off and angled back in a long way. Steven Smith stays forward and goes across to flick but misses and is hit flush on the front pad. There's nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows that the ball would have done too much and missed leg stump. India lose their second review now.
56.1
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Good length on middle, attacking the pads, Smith gets across and tucks it towards mid-wicket.
56
over
56 | 7 Runs | HH: 197/2
55.6
4
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Marnus Labuschagne is slowly but surely getting into immaculate form. Tossed up around off, a bit too full and Labuschagne hammers the drive, inside-out through covers and picks up a boundary.
55.5
2
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter delivery on off, Labuschagne hangs back and plays it late using the pace on the ball and gets it down to deep third for a couple of runs.
55.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, straight as well, Labuschagne leans on to defend.
55.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, over middle and leg, Labuschagne presses back and blocks kit onto the leg side.
55.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Full and on the pads, nudged away in front of square on the leg side for a quick single.
55.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Darted in full on middle, a bit more round-arm action as well, Smith blocks it off.
55
over
55 | 9 Runs | HH: 190/2
54.6
2
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Nagging length in the channel outside off, Marnus Labuschagne stays back and edges it down with gentle hands through the slip cordon and picks up a couple of runs. That will also be FIFTY FOR MARNUS! His 22nd in Test cricket and 3rd at the MCG!
54.5
0
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length around the top of off, just nibbling away, Labuschagne manages to keep it out on the off side.
54.4
3
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Good, positive running from these two. Pitched up full and around off, Steven Smith gets a bit across again and drives it well in front of covers and picks up three runs into the deep.
54.3
4
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, FOUR! Nicely done by Smith! Hard length over middle and leg, angling down, Smith gets inside the line and tickles it down to fine leg for a boundary.
54.2
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, More than half a shout for LBW but turned down! Great length from Akash Deep, on off and just going straight on. Steven Smith stands well outside the crease and shuffles well across to block but gets squared up and rapped on the pads. No review taken and Ball Tracking shows that wickets would have been umpire's call.
54.1
0
Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Just back of a length and outside off, Smith shuffles across and blocks it down in front of point.
Akash Deep (11-3-28-0) to operate from the far end now.
54
over
54 | 5 Runs | HH: 181/2
53.6
4
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Aggressive intent from Marnus! Tossed up on middle, Labuschagne skips down the pitch and swats the ball back over the bowler's head for a boundary.
53.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, On a dragged length around middle, tucked away into the leg side.
53.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, On the shorter side again from Jadeja, outside off and Labuschagne taps it off the back foot to covers.
53.3
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Flatter one on middle and leg, worked away through the gap at mid-wicket for a single by Steven Smith.
53.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Drops the length short and bowls it around off, Steven Smith rocks back to cut but hits it in front of square and to the fielder.
53.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Nicely floated up on the pads, Steven Smith gets a bit forward and works it away straight to mid-wicket.
Welcome back to the third and final session of the first day of this fourth Test. The umpires walk out to the middle, followed by the Indian players who spread out to the field. Marnus Labuschagne, unbeaten on 44, and Steven Smith, on 10, will resume their batting for Australia. Ravindra Jadeja (11-2-33-1) will get the proceedings underway in the third session. Off we go...
... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ...
It was only until Jasprit Bumrah was summoned back into the attack that India were able to break the stand. He struck gold on the very first ball of his new spell and broke the growing stand for the second wicket. Steadying gradually in his inning, Labuschagne along with Smith saw through the session. Well then, the second session has flown by on this first day. Australia holds the aces as we speak and with the batting expected to get better with the progression in the final session, India will be aiming to get some quick wickets and run through the middle order. Australia will be keen to build on this score without losing many wickets. Stay tuned as we bring all the action to you in the post-Tea session which begins at 10.02 am IST (4.32 am GMT).
Despite the testing conditions, especially from Siraj who peppered Marnus with several body blows, both batters showed admirable resilience which only furthered frustrations in the Indian camp. Their patient partnership proved valuable, with Khawaja eventually reaching his half-century and the two adding crucial 65 runs together. Though the Indian bowlers maintained a good mix of disciplined lines and lengths after Lunch, with the odd one bouncing off the pitch, and also bringing back spin in the form of Jadeja into the attack, they struggled to find that crucial breakthrough.
Coming into the second session, things did slow down a bit from the batting perspective as Bumrah and Akash Deep delivered four maidens on the trot to begin with. It was relatively slow going from Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja as they just tried to bide their time at the crease, having a good score on the board already. Conditions got a bit overcast and the ball started to nip back and nibble away off the deck for the pacers. The first hour proved particularly challenging, with just 26 runs added to the total.
TEA, DAY 1 - Session Summary - 28 overs, 64 runs, 1 wicket. Australia will be really pleased with how things have progressed for them in these first two sessions of play. But since runs came in at a sedate pace, this session will be shared by both sides. The hosts, however, find themselves in a commanding position with all batters chipping in with crucial contributions.
53
over
53 | 5 Runs | HH: 176/2
52.6
0
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Can't get that one through and that will be TEA ON DAY 1! Nice and full on middle, Labuschagne backs away again and hammers the drive but straight to a widish mid off. Australia are 176/2!
52.5
4
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Glorious from Labuschagne! Tossed up a bit and on middle, Labuschagne steps out whilst making some room as well and drills it to the right of mid off for a fine boundary.
52.4
0
Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Top delivery, making excellent using of that angle. Slightly full and on off, just sliding across gently past the right-hander, Labuschagne looks to stay put and play at it but is beaten and the ball just misses the off stump as well.
52.3
1
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, On the shorter side and around middle and leg, Steven Smith goes a bit across and works it wide of mid-wicket for a single.
52.2
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, A touch full but pushed though flatter and on middle  Smith stays back and nudges it away to the leg side.
52.1
0
Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Sundar starts off from around the wicket and bowls it full on off, trying to angle it across. Steven Smith stays on the front foot and blocks it off.
52
over
52 | 3 Runs | HH: 171/2
51.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Flighted up a bit and around off, Labuschagne strokes the ball away into the off side.
51.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Ever so slightly short and outside off, Labuschagne is quick to hop onto the back foot but fails to find the gap with the cut.
51.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Slightly full and right at the stumps, Labuschagne leans forward to defend.
51.3
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Another one that is bowled full and on the pads, flicked away through mid-wicket for yet another single.
51.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller and at the stumps, Labuschagne leans on and works it wide of mid-wicket for a single.
51.1
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run, that is flicked off the back foot for a run.
Possibly the last couple of overs before Tea. Jadeja to continue.
51
over
51 | 3 Runs | HH: 168/2
50.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Fullish length, pushed a bit wide of the off stump line and Labuschagne leaves it alone.
50.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Takes pace off and bowls a slower yorker at 120.4 clicks, gets it to dip as well on middle, Labuschagne does well to keep it out.
50.4
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Back of a length and over middle, Steven Smith gets across and gets inside the line before tucking it away through backward square leg for a run.
50.4
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Short ball, over leg and angling down, Labuschagne gets inside the line and pulls it down to fine leg for a single. Also, a NO BALL is called for overstepping.
50.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Bumrah goes wide of the crease and angles it in a long way onto the stumps, Labuschagne presses back to defend.
50.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, On a good length and around the top of off, Labuschagne gets across and behind the line to defend.
50.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Nagging length in and around off, angling in and then holding its line as well. Labuschagne gets squared up and gets an outside edge that goes down towards gully.
50
over
50 | 4 Runs | HH: 165/2
49.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Floated up on the stumps and Steven Smith just defends it off the front foot.
49.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Drifted in from around middle, Steven Smith makes yet another block.
49.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Tosses this one up a bit, bowling it full on off, Smith eases it into the off side.
49.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Flatter one at the stumps, Smith keeps it out.
49.2
4
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, FOUR! A dive in vain from Mohammed Siraj and Steven Smith picks up a boundary. Too short and over off, Smith rocks back and goes for the heave but mistimes it wide of mid on for a boundary.
49.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, A bit wide of the crease and around off, Steven Smith stays forward and blocks it off.
49
over
49 | 4 Runs | HH: 161/2
48.6
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Labuschagne wants two and gets two there! Good length angled into the pads, Labuschagne gets inside the line and shovels it past backward square leg for a brace.
48.5
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Finally, Labuschagne manages to milk Bumrah for some runs. Very full and around off, Labuschagne tries to jam it out but the ball hits the ball on the up and then goes into the deck and over the slip cordon for a couple of runs.
48.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit shorter in length again and over middle, Labuschagne presses back and pushes it down to mid on.
48.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Ooh, indecisive from Labuschagne! Just back of a length and bowled into the channel around off, nibbling away late. Labuschagne tries to play it hands away from the body and with an angled bat but is beaten past the outside edge.
48.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Fractionally short and angled into the body, Labuschagne with a short-arm jab but again straight to square leg.
48.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full on middle, there to be put away, Labuschagne though flicks it straight to the fielder at square leg.
48
over
48 | 2 Runs | HH: 157/2
47.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Extra bounce! Fuller in length and around off, Smith looks to get forward and block but the ball pops up and he does well to keep it down off the gloves.
47.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Flatter one, angled into the pads, tucked away off the back foot to backward square leg.
47.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Slows it up even further and flights it on off, Smith eases it away into the off side.
47.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Fuller in length, a bit slower too and on middle, Steven Smith leans and blocks it down the pitch.
47.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Flat and quick on off, Smith blocks it off.
47.1
2
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Floats the ball up, on a length and wide of the off stump, Smith with an extravagant drive through cover-point, not greatly timed but good enough for a brace.
47
over
47 | 0 Runs | HH: 155/2
46.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Back-to-back maidens for Bumrah! Just short of a good length and over off, straightening down the line, Labuschagne gets squared up a touch and gets an outside edge down towards gully.
46.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run there! Hard length around the top of off, Labuschagne looks to drop and run on the off side but is sent back right away by Steven Smith.
46.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Just short of a good length and over middle, angling in as well, Labuschagne nudges it away to the leg side.
46.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Slower delivery, rolling the fingers across the ball and pitching it up on off stump, Labuschagne pushes it back to the bowler.
46.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Wider on the crease and on a good length, angling back in a long way into middle, Labuschagne watches it well and solidly blocks it off.
46.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, That in-between length, attacking the off stump line, Labuschagne looks to lean on but doesn't get all the way forward and just blocks it off.
46
over
46 | 1 Runs | HH: 155/2
45.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Fuller this time, on off and middle, Steven Smith gets nicely forward and keeps it out.
45.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Flatter one, on off, Steven Smith rocks back to defend.
45.4
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Good running! On a dragged length and on off, Labuschagne presses back just a bit and taps it wide of covers for a quick single.
45.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit more short and around the pads, Labuschagne presses back and works it towards backward square leg.
45.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter one, on a dragged length at middle and leg, Labuschagne tucks it to the leg side.
45.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Nagging length, darted in on off and middle, Labuschagne blocks it off.
45
over
45 | 0 Runs | HH: 154/2
44.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, A wicket-maiden to kick off the new spell from Bumrah then! A bit fuller in length and at the stumps, Steven Smith goes back and across to the off side and blocks it to the leg side.
44.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Edged but doesn't carry! Fullish length from Bumrah, outside off and angling in, Steven Smith gets across and squares himself up and gets an outside edge. It then goes on the bounce and to the right of Virat Kohli at second slip and he makes a sharp one-handed stop to his right.
44.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Good length again, a fair bit wide of the off stump line, Smith gets across but shoulders arms.
44.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Good length and in the channel outside off, left alone by Smith.
44.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Back of a length and outside off, Steven Smith with that trigger movement from leg to off and he blocks it off.
Steven Smith strides out to the middle at number 4.
44.1
W
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, OUT! CAUGHT! Wow, a wicket out of nowhere and even Jasprit Bumrah himself cannot believe it. Soft, soft dismissal and Usman Khawaja will be highly disappointed. Bumrah starts the new spell with a gentle short delivery from around the wicket. This one sits up over middle and leg, Khawaja leans back and looks to pull but miscues it badly off the toe end and straight to KL Rahul in front of mid-wicket. Rahul takes a sharp catch around his face as Khawaja departs for 57 (121) and Bumrah gets a vital wicket for India.
Jasprit Bumrah (11-5-43-0) is back on. He replaces Siraj.
44
over
44 | 0 Runs | HH: 154/1
43.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Slightly flighted, a bit fuller as well and around off, eased away into the off side by Labuschagne.
43.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Stump-to-stump bowling from Jadeja and Labuschagne just keeps blocking it off.
43.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit quicker and fuller, Labuschagne decides to step out but has to adjust and ends up jamming the ball out.
43.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Gives it a bit more air and bowls it on a length on off, Labuschagne stays put and defends.
43.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, On a slightly dragged length and around off, kept out off the back foot by Marnus.
43.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter one, on nagging length and on off, Labuschagne rocks back and defends it out.
43
over
43 | 8 Runs | HH: 154/1
42.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, A bumper to end the over, 8 off it! This is bowled short over middle, angling in a bit as well, Khawaja ducks under it well.
42.5
3
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Lovely use of the wrists now from Labuschagne! Darted in full on off, angling in, Labuschagne works it off the legs and in front of square on the leg side before picking up three runs.
42.4
4
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! All class and timing from Marnus! A genuine half-volley from Siraj, on off, Labuschagne with a bit of a prod ahead and with a half-punch of the bat, he nails the ball back past the bowler and through mid off for a boundary.
42.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitches the ball up around the fifth stump line, Labuschagne stays watchful and plays it away to covers.
42.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and around off, angling back in a bit, Labuschagne presses back to defend. Siraj walks right up to the stumps and flips the bails. Marnus, meanwhile walks towards Jaiswal stationed at short square leg and has a word with him and then comes back to the crease to prepare for the next delivery.
42.1
1
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Pitched up on middle and angling in, Usman Khawaja gets inside the line of the ball and whips it away to deep square leg for a single.
42
over
42 | 3 Runs | HH: 146/1
41.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Full again and around off but pushed through quicker, Labuschagne strokes it away to the fielder at covers.
41.5
2
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Floated up, full and outside off, Labuschagne backs away and drives the ball away from the body and through the gap at covers for a couple of runs.
41.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Drifted into middle and leg, looking to turn it across the right-hander but it goes straight on and Labuschagne makes the block.
41.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Darted in full and at the stumps, Labuschagne defends it away to the left of the bowler.
41.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Fractionally short and on leg, Khawaja works it off the back foot and with soft hands past square leg for one.
41.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Flighted delivery, on middle, Usman Khawaja leans on and blocks it down the line.
41
over
41 | 3 Runs | HH: 143/1
40.6
1
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Floated up on the pads, easily tucked away down to fine leg for another single by Khawaja.
40.5
1
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Drop and run! Back of a length around off, Labuschagne bunts it down wide of point and scampers through for one.
40.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Shortens the length a bit and angles it in around off, no room for Labuschagne yet again and he just ends up blocking it down into the off side.
40.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Nagging length, angling back in from outside off, Labuschagne looks to get forward but stays put and blocks it off.
40.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Just a bit wider on the crease, bowled fuller and angled back in from outside off, Labuschagne gets the front leg right across and makes the block.
40.1
1
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Around the wicket to the left-hander, full and angled into the pads, Usman Khawaja flicks it off the inner half of the blade and down to long leg for a single.
40
over
40 | 0 Runs | HH: 140/1
39.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, A quick maiden from Ravindra Jadeja! Shorter in length and around leg, Labuschagne goes on the back foot and tucks it straight to short fine leg.
39.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Keeps the length relatively full and bowls it around middle, Labuschagne leans on and waits a bit before blocking it off.
39.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full again from Jadeja, on off and middle, Labuschagne leans on to defend.
39.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller and straighter now on middle, Labuschagne with a solid block off the front foot.
39.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Pushed through flatter and on off, Labuschagne presses back to defend.
39.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh, just past the outside edge! Nagging length on off, turns away a shade with some extra bounce as well. Labuschagne rocks back to cut late but is beaten.
39
over
39 | 2 Runs | HH: 140/1
38.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Another short ball, skiddy this time and over leg stump, Khawaja with another duck as Siraj takes a bit of a tumble on the followthrough.
38.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Pitched up full and straight at the stumps, Khawaja leans on well and drives it right back but Siraj is able to get both hands on it and make the stop.
38.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, A bumper now, dug in well short over middle and leg, Usman Khawaja just ducks right under it.
38.3
1
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Goes wider on the crease and angles in a good-length delivery from well outside off, Labuschagne presses back and just dabs the ball wide of point for a quick single.
38.2
1
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, On the pads yet again, fuller too, Usman Khawaja stylishly flicks it away down to deep backward square leg for one and brings up the 50-run stand between himself and Marnus Labuschagne.
38.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Good length around the pads, Khawaja hops and tucks it away straight to mid-wicket.
DRINKS! A much more of a quieter session so far after Lunch and Australia will be looking to just start score a bit more freely. The bowling from India has been tight but they haven't managed to pick up a wicket which could be crucial going into the second hour of this session.
38
over
38 | 1 Runs | HH: 138/1
37.6
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Goes full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it to mid on.
37.5
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Bangs it into the surface, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne sways away from the line of the ball and squats at it, as it flies over his head.
37.4
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Usman Khawaja, On middle and leg, on a fuller length, Usman Khawaja clips it along the ground for a single at deep square leg.
37.3
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Usman Khawaja, Full again, outside off, Usman Khawaja drives it firmly from the front foot to mid off.
37.2
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Usman Khawaja, Pitched full and on off, Usman Khawaja drives it with a straight bat but finds Bumrah at mid off in the way.
37.1
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Usman Khawaja, Across off on a length, Usman Khawaja waits for it, plays from the crease, and pushes it to cover.
37
over
37 | 1 Runs | HH: 137/1
36.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Length, around off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it with a straight bat.
36.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on top of off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it off the back foot. Some words exchanged between Siraj and Marnus.
36.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, And again! That's the trouble to play front on! Siraj bashes the hard length, it nips back in from outside off. Marnus Labuschagne is taken aback again as he looks to work it across. Gets all squared up and plays over the line. It pings him right on the crotch and Labuschagne gets on his haunches for a bit.
36.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Angling in on middle, on a fuller length, Marnus Labuschagne presents a solid front foot block.
36.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length angling in down the leg side, Labuschagne misses on the flick shot.
36.1
1
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Siraj runs hard and hits the deck hard, on the stumps, Khawaja hops and tucks it to the mid-wicket area for a single.
36
over
36 | 2 Runs | HH: 136/1
35.6
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Attacks the pegs now, on a fullish length, Marnus Labuschagne takes a good stride ahead and blocks it out.
35.5
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out.
35.4
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Usman Khawaja, An appeal for LBW by Nitish but the umpire shakes his head in denial. Attacks the pads does Nitish, on a fuller length. Usman Khawaja misses to clip it across and the ball deflects off the pads to deep backward square. A leg bye taken.
35.3
1
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne gets on the front foot and drives it through covers for a single. Labuschagne looks for the double but Khawaja denies.
35.2
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Length, on middle, blocked in front off the back foot.
35.1
0
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Nitish Kumar Reddy is introduced into the attack now. He replaces Akash. Bowls it straight and outside off, on a length, Marnus Labuschagne leaves.
35
over
35 | 7 Runs | HH: 134/1
34.6
1
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, and angling into the leg stump. Labuschagne tucks it off to fine leg for a single.
34.5
2
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller length around middle. Labuschagne flicks it to deep backward square leg and comfortably gets back for two runs.
34.4
4
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Nicely played! Short one from Siraj, attacking the bodyline, Marnus Labuschagne goes for a pull shot but gets a thick top edge. The ball flies over leg slip for a boundary. However, the on-air commentators reckon that it pinged his helmet instead of the bat, and went to the boundary off the deflection. But it is given as runs from the bat nonetheless.
34.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Siraj is asking some tough questions to Marnus! Back of a length, stays low a bit on the middle stump and nips back in sharply. Marnus Labuschagne opens up his body and goes to block it out but plays over it. Gets a blow on the body.
34.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and nipping back in a long way into the batter. On leg, Marnus Labuschagne is taken aback and gets it off the inside edge which goes on the bounce to Yashasvi Jaiswal at leg gully.
34.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitched fuller and on off, Marnus Labuschagne presses ahead and blocks it right under his bat.
34
over
34 | 8 Runs | HH: 127/1
33.6
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Khawaja leaves this length-delivery which angles outside off to end the over.
33.5
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Outside off, on a length, left alone.
33.4
4
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, FOUR MORE! FIFTY FOR KHAWAJA! 27th of his Test career! This will surely give him a lot of confidence, especially after underwhelming returns in this series. A good composed knock from the experienced southpaw. Back of a length, outside off, Usman Khawaja gets a thick outside edge as he plays it very late and gets it past the gap between backward point and gully for a boundary at deep third.
33.3
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Short and outside off. Khawaja hops, and controls the bounce to knock to mid on.
33.2
4
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, FOUR! Khawaja moves onto 46 with this glorious stroke! Pitches the ball up, full and on the stumps, Usman Khawaja taps his front foot out and finds the middle of the bat. Drives it straight down the ground for a boundary. A good effort in the deep by Washington Sundar. He chases it from the inner ring and he tries to flick the ball into the field of play with a slide, but all in vain.
33.1
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Short of a good length, around off, Usman Khawaja covers the stumps and punches it across to the leg side.
33
over
33 | 0 Runs | HH: 119/1
32.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Marnus Labuschagne stands way out of the popping crease now as Siraj bowls a short one, on top of stumps. Marnus Labuschagne watchfully clips it off the back foot to the leg side. A maiden for Siraj to start his new spell.
32.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a good length, just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms.
32.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, This one goes gun-barrel straight, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne just about manages to block this full ball in front.
32.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Siraj keeps the line of attack identical. On middle but pulls his length on a shorter side. Marnus Labuschagne tucks it across to square leg.
32.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, An appeal for LBW now from Siraj, but the umpire is unmoved! Identical line nipping back into the batter, on middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne walks into the line of the ball, looks to defend, gets beaten again, and gets a sharp blow at the area where it hurts the most. He looks in a bit of discomfort after being pinged a couple of times in a row now.
32.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Mohammed Siraj replaces Jasprit Bumrah. Bangs the hard length, on off, and gets an extra bounce off the pitch. Marnus Labuschagne gets on the back foot and looks to block in front but the ball nips into him and raps him right on the box.
32
over
32 | 1 Runs | HH: 119/1
31.6
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hard length, outside off, from around the wickets. No interest shown by Khawaja to have a poke at it.
31.5
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, A bit fuller and on the stumps, Khawaja pushes it back to the bowler.
31.4
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, EDGED, but short of the slips again. The third time the edges haven't carried to the slip cordons! Fraction full, around off, nibbling away. Usman Khawaja strides ahead and looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge that lands just ahead of the third slip on the bounce.
31.3
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Straight and full, on off, Usman Khawaja gets behind the line and blocks it out.
31.2
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Around the wickets. Back of a length, fairly outside off. Left alone.
31.1
1
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Almost a half-tracker, around off, Marnus Labuschagne walks into the line of the ball and clips it across to deep mid-wicket for a single.
31
over
31 | 2 Runs | HH: 118/1
30.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Full and from around the stumps, on off, Usman Khawaja defends it off the inner half of the bat to short mid-wicket.
30.6
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Misfield and a NO BALL for overstepping! Full and straight on middle, Marnus Labuschagne clips it to mid-wicket where the fielder fumbles and parries the ball behind him. They cross.
30.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, An effort ball from Bumrah! Steep bumper, on the bodyline. Marnus Labuschagne ducks safely under it. Rishabh Pant moves to his left and grabs it over his head.
30.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne brings the bat in front of the pads and pushes it firmly to mid on.
30.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Skids through the surface from a good length, on top of off, Marnus Labuschagne makes a tight leave.
30.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length on off, Marnus defends it out.
30.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, EDGED BUT SHORT OF KOHLI IN THE SLIP! Pitched up by Bumrah, around off, and nipping away a bit. Marnus Labuschagne defends it with soft hands but gets a healthy outside edge that goes flat and lands just ahead of Virat at the third slip.
30
over
30 | 4 Runs | HH: 116/1
29.6
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Full and outside off, Khawaja lets it pass alone.
29.5
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Brings the stumps in play now does Akash, on a fullish length, Usman Khawaja pushes it firmly to mid on.
29.4
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Good channel again from Akash. On off, on a length, nipping away a shy bit, Usman Khawaja hops on the back foot and tries to block but the ball beats the outside edge yet again.
29.3
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, BEATEN AGAIN! Fraction full, on the fifth stump line, Khawaja gets on the front foot and goes for another drive through covers but misses and the ball zips past the outside edge.
29.2
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, BEATEN! Pitched up, full and just around off, nibbling away a tad bit. Usman Khawaja walks into the shot and drives to drive through covers but plays inside the line. Gets beaten on the outside edge.
29.1
4
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, FOUR! Cracked away! Khawaja breaks the sequence of maidens! Back of a length, fairly outside off, Usman Khawaja weighs on the back foot and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
29
over
29 | 0 Runs | HH: 112/1
28.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a good length, around off, Marnus Labuschagne gets on the back foot and taps it to the pitch. That's four maidens on the trot now!
28.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Bowls it full and angles it on the off and middle, Marnus Labuschagne gets on the front foot and knocks it to mid on.
28.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Hits the deck hard does Bumrah, on top of the stumps, nipping back in, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it through to the keeper.
28.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, 21 dots in a row now! On the back of a length, on top of middle, Marnus Labuschagne hops on the back foot and blocks it with soft hands. This one stayed a tad bit low and was negotiated well by Marnus.
28.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Angling it on middle, on a good length, Marnus Labuschagne prods forward and blocks it to the leg side.
28.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, A leg slip in place now against Marnus Labuschagne. Back of a length, just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne makes a watchful leave.
28
over
28 | 0 Runs | HH: 112/1
27.6
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, On the top of off, on a good length, Usman Khawaja gets right behind it and knocks it into the cover region. Three maidens in a row now for India coming into the second session.
27.5
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Keeps the angle outside off, on a good length, left alone by Khawaja.
27.4
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Fuller length and around off. Khawaja defends it back to the bowler.
27.3
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Beaten! Akash goes wide of the crease and bowls a fuller ball, just outside off. It lands and straightens up a bit off the pitch. Khawaja gets squared up on the defence, with no foot movement at all, and the ball zips past the outside edge. A real snorter of a delivery that from Akash Deep.
27.2
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hard length, outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone.
27.1
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Curving back in with the angle, on a length, on off. Usman Khawaja plays it closer to the body and knocks it off the back foot to mid on.
27
over
27 | 0 Runs | HH: 112/1
26.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Bumrah brings the stumps in play now. Full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne taps his front foot out and blocks it right back to the bowler. A couple of maidens to begin for India.
26.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off, on a length, left alone.
26.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh, this one just flies off the surface. Also, a muted appeal for caught behind by Rohit and his men, but they decide not to review it. Bumrah fires it in, on a shorter length, going down leg. Marnus Labuschagne misses to glance it off the hips and Pant dives to his left to grab the ball.
26.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Straight and full, on off, Marnus Labuschagne presses forward and stabs it to the surface.
26.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, angling into the middle and leg stump line, Marnus Labuschagne walks forward, and looks to work it across but misses and gets a blow on the thigh pad.
26.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Bumrah steams in from over the stumps, and bowls a good-length delivery, just outside off, and stays low a bit as well. Marnus Labuschagne watches it closely and leaves.
Jasprit Bumrah to continue from the other end after the break.
26
over
26 | 0 Runs | HH: 112/1
25.6
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, A maiden over to begin with from Akash in the second session! Wide of off, further curving away after pitching. Khawaja shows no interest in having a go at it.
25.5
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, On a length, just around off, Usman Khawaja blocks it off the back foot to short cover.
25.4
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Pitches it up, full and just around off, Usman Khawaja strides across and drives it straight to cover.
25.3
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Bashes the hard length, angling in and around off, Usman Khawaja gets on the front foot and pushes it to mid on.
25.2
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Keeps the line of attack outside off, on a fuller length. Khawaja shoulders arms at it.
25.1
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Akash Deep begins the session from around the stumps, hurls it on a fraction fuller length, just outside off. Usman Khawaja covers the stumps and looks to block in front but plays inside the line. The ball zips past the outside edge.
We are back for the post-Lunch session on Day 1 here at the MCG! Rohit Sharma can be seen giving his players a real pep talk before taking to the field once again. The umpires are out in the middle and the Aussie pairing of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne is all set to resume their stay at the crease. Akash Deep to begin proceedings with the ball, let's play...
... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...
Right then, with the mercury levels about to reach 40 degrees Celsius or so in the afternoon session, we might see it all boil up in the next session. When these two teams are involved, it surely won't be a quiet one for sure. A mighty crucial session on Day 1 awaits, so, do join us around 7.40 am IST (2.10 am GMT) for the post-Lunch session.
India did get their teeth into the contest after the second drinks break and the bowling changes did turn out to be successful. Akash Deep kept things tight and it was Ravindra Jadeja who got them the vital breakthrough but overall, they weren't able to induce many opportunities. Australia have 112 runs on the board with Usman Khawaja set and Marnus Labuschagne looking comfortable too and they will be looking to consolidate after the break.
Australia got the opportunity to bat first but those first few overs showed that they were a bit nervy and young Sam Konstas played one too many shots. However, they were lucky not to edge deliveries and were beaten past the bat which allowed Konstas to just keep going at it and once he got a couple of balls away, runs just started to pour. Konstas took down Bumrah for 14 runs in one over and then 18 in another as he brought up a sensational half-century before falling on 60.
India were asked to bowl first on a warm morning in Melbourne but there was an even covering of grass to aid the pacers and it certainly did in the first couple of overs as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj both began with maidens. Soon enough though, they were put to the sword and a few heated exchanges between Siraj and Konstas and even one in particular where Virat Kohli gave Konstas a slight shrug of the shoulder, all only added to India's misery. Bumrah even conceded a six in Test cricket after 4000 plus deliveries.
The iconic 'Boxing Day Test' at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and two of the toughest competitors going head-to-head, what more can one even ask for? Well, that first session was just a complete embodiment of the occasion as debutant Sam Konstas lit up the arena in front of about 90,000 fans before finally falling and now that the dust has settled, the post-Lunch session should be very intriguing.
25
over
25 | 3 Runs | HH: 112/1
24.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Bumrah wraps up the session by bowling it on a good length, sliding down leg. Marnus Labuschagne misses to glance it away. Pant behind the wickets moves to his left and collects it. And that will be LUNCH ON DAY 1!
24.5
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Pitched up, full and on middle, Khawaja clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.
24.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Just nibbling away a tad bit from a good length, around off. Usman Khawaja gets squared up again and fends it to the off side.
24.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Bangs it short, outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone.
24.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Bashes the length hard, on off, Usman Khawaja hits it across to mid on.
24.1
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Length, on middle, Usman Khawaja gets squared up and the ball kisses the outside edge before running to deep backward point for a couple of runs.
24
over
24 | 6 Runs | HH: 109/1
23.6
3
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Full and outside off, Khawaja gets on the front foot and drives it to Siraj at mid off who fumbles in the field. The ball rolls to the deep where Siraj chases it down. The batters cross for three more.
23.5
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Angles it in from outside off. On a good length, on middle, Usman Khawaja plays over the line to defend in front but gets beaten as the ball nips back in. Hits Khawaja on the body.
23.4
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, A low full toss now, on the off-stump line, Usman Khawaja knocks it straight to mid off.
23.3
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hits the deck hard, outside off on a length, Usman Khawaja offers no shot at it.
23.2
1
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Angling on the middle and leg stumps, Marnus Labuschagne flicks this full ball to wide of mid on for a quick single.
23.1
2
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Akash Deep switches ends and replaces Jadeja. Bowls it full on the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne walks ahead and clips it past mid-wicket for a couple of quick runs. Moves into the double figures.
23
over
23 | 0 Runs | HH: 103/1
22.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Full and straight, in front of the off stump, Usman Khawaja looks to defend it in front, but gets a thick inside edge to the short mid-wicket region.
22.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, At off, on a fullish length, Usman Khawaja clips it across to square leg.
22.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Outside off, on a fraction fuller length. Left alone by Khawaja.
22.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, A stifled appeal for LBW, but the umpire says 'No'! Clearly off the inside edge. Back of a length again from Bumrah, on off, Usman Khawaja covers the stumps and gets on the back foot to block it in front. Gets a thick inside edge onto the thigh pad.
22.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Back of a length, on off, gets a bit of more bounce off the deck. Usman Khawaja is taken aback but just about manages to stab it down to the surface.
22.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Bumrah is back on, replacing Akash Deep. Bowls a shorter one, on the body line. Khawaja looks to tuck it across but misses and gets hit on the body.
22
over
22 | 11 Runs | HH: 103/1
21.6
4
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! And again! Too short from Jadeja, on off, Marnus Labuschagne weighs on the back foot, and cuts it very late and gets it through deep third for a boundary. 100 up for Australia with this four!
21.5
4
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Delicate from Marnus Labuschagne! Half-tracker from Jadeja, just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne lets the ball come at it and cuts it very late. Gets the ball past backward point for a boundary.
21.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Floated up, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne takes a huge stride out and pushes it back to the bowler.
21.3
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Length ball, on the middle and leg, Usman Khawaja hangs back and taps it to deep fine for a single.
21.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Nice and full, quick and on off, Khawaja leans ahead and pushes it to mid off.
21.1
2
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Fires it in, full and on leg, Usman Khawaja plays the scoop shot to deep fine for a couple of runs.
21
over
21 | 2 Runs | HH: 92/1
20.6
0
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and angling on off, Marnus Labuschagne knocks it to mid on.
20.5
0
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length, just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne makes a tight leave.
20.4
1
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Brings the angle a bit more into the batter, on middle, on a length. Khawaja again gets on the back foot and glances it off the hips to deep backward square leg for a single.
20.3
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Length ball, angling on top of off, Usman Khawaja hangs back and punches it to cover-point.
20.2
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Whistles past the edge! Into the corridor of uncertainty, on a good length, just outside off. Khawaja gets squared up and the ball beats his outside edge as he looks to block it in front.
20.1
1
Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length, on the pads, Marnus Labuschagne misses to get any bat on it and the ball rolls to the deep square leg region for a leg bye.
20
over
20 | 1 Runs | HH: 90/1
19.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, A flighted one, outside off, Khawaja drives towards point. A wild throw by Akash to Pant, but he gets away with it.
19.5
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit short from Jadeja. Labuschagne hangs back and looks to defend from inside of the crease, but gets an outside edge that trickles to the short third region for a single.
19.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller length again, around off. Labuschagne defends it to short extra cover. Kohli fires back a quick throw back to the keeper.
19.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and outside off. Labuschagne drives it to cover-point.
Marnus Labuschagne walks out to bat at number 3.
19.2
W
Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, OUT! LBW! A huge confident appeal and up goes the finger instantly! Sam Konstas believes that it is pretty much plumb and walks away without reviewing it. Konstas gets a huge applause from the MCG crowd as he walks back after a fine 60 on his Test debut. Finally, a breakthrough for India. Coming to the delivery, Jadeja stays around the stumps and floats it up through the air. Lands it full and in front of the stumps, on the middle and leg. Konstas takes a good stride ahead to defend but plays the wrong line and gets trapped in front. The ball hits his front pad and the umpire raises his finger in a blink for the appeal.
19.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, Jadeja drops a length ball, on off, Sam Konstas hangs back and punches it to cover.
19
over
19 | 3 Runs | HH: 89/0
18.6
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Just outside off, nipping back in a touch on a fuller length. Usman Khawaja makes a tight leave by covering the stumps.
18.5
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Length, on off, worked to the off side by Khawaja.
18.4
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, EDGED BUT SHORT OF KOHLI AT THE SECOND SLIP! Nice and full from Akash, just around off, Usman Khawaja gets his bat way ahead of his body and tries to block but gets a thick outside edge. It lands just short ahead of Kohli who makes a diving stop on the bounce to his left.
18.3
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Pitched up, full and on off, Usman Khawaja gets forward and knocks it back to the bowler.
18.2
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hard length, angling on off. Usman Khawaja hops on the back foot and tucks it across to mid-wicket.
18.1
3
Akash Deep to Sam Konstas, Back of a length, on off, Sam Konstas dances down the track and punches it through covers for three more runs. KL Rahul from the inner ring chases the ball before the ropes.
18
over
18 | 3 Runs | HH: 86/0
17.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, A slider outside off, on a fuller length. Usman Khawaja offers no shot.
17.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Around off, on a fuller length, Usman Khawaja leans on and drives it straight to cover.
17.4
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, Drops it full does Jadeja, on off, Sam Konstas drives it along the ground to long off for one.
17.3
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Fuller length outside off. Khawaja rocks back and punches it to backward point for a single.
17.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, Short and on off, Konstas punches it down to long off for a single.
17.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, An appeal for LBW, but the umpire seems uninterested! Rohit Sharma quickly walks towards Jadeja with Pant too, joining in the discussion and they decide not to review it. Jadeja bowls a flatter one, on the middle and leg, Sam Konstas is caught in the crease and plays over the line of the ball, gets beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the pads. The Ball Tracker later shows that it would've been the umpire's call on the wickets as it clips the leg stump.
17
over
17 | 0 Runs | HH: 83/0
16.6
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Outside off on a good length, Usman Khawaja covers the stumps and lets it through to the keeper. A maiden over. One feels after a long time.
16.5
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Back of a length, skidding through the surface, outside off. Usman Khawaja offers no shot at it.
16.4
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Akash brings the angle on the off stump, on a fuller length. Usman Khawaja prods forward and defends it out.
16.3
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, A bit of tail back in from outside off, on a fullish length. Usman Khawaja watches it till the end and sees it pass through to the keeper.
16.2
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, A muted appeal for LBW, but only for a brief moment! Short of a good length, pitching outside off, Usman Khawaja goes for a pull shot but misses as he plays over it. The ball goes to the gully region off the thigh pad.
16.1
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Akash from around the stumps, bowls a fuller one, outside off, Usman Khawaja strides across and stabs it into the off side.
DRINKS! With just under 40 minutes or so to go for the Lunch break on Day 1, the players will have another short hydration break. It's been more of the same from Sam Konstas and Australia as they have piled on the runs and with Konstas taking down Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj without much of a fuss, things are looking to heat up even more soon. Can India find a wicket or two before the Lunch interval and even out the session a bit? Let's find out...
16
over
16 | 5 Runs | HH: 83/0
15.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, A bit slower through the air, on a fraction fuller length, around off, Sam Konstas gets half-forward and works it straight to the cover fielder.
15.5
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Drops short and turns back in into the batter, Usman Khawaja hangs back and punches it to wide of cover for a single.
15.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Nice and full, on the stumps, Usman Khawaja knocks it in front.
15.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Quick and flat, full and on off, pushed in front by Khawaja.
15.2
4
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, FOUR! Pulled away! Runs continue to flow for the Australians. Short again from Jadeja, on the stumps, Usman Khawaja gets on the back foot again and executes the pull shot with ease. Gets it through the vacant deep square leg region for a cracking boundary.
15.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Jadeja begins from around the stumps. Drops it on a length, around off, Usman Khawaja gets on the back foot and knocks it back.
First signs of spin from India as Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack. There's just a slight delay as Yashasvi Jaiswal gets padded on to go and stand at short leg.
15
over
15 | 1 Runs | HH: 78/0
14.6
0
Akash Deep to Sam Konstas, Swing and a miss! Akash Deep bashes the hard length, and gets a hint of an away movement from outside off. Sam Konstas dances down the track to slap it through the covers, misses the outside edge by a thin margin. Good carry to the keeper, Pant.
14.5
0
Akash Deep to Sam Konstas, Angling down leg on a fullish length, Sam Konstas misses on the flick shot.
14.4
1
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, IN THE AIR...just lands safe behind KL Rahul at short mid-wicket. Short of a good length, angling in from outside off, Khawaja prepares for a pull shot and goes through. But gets a top edge which flies and lands behind the short mid-wicket region for a single.
14.3
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Akash goes wide of the crease and brings the angle into the batter, on a good length, over the middle, Usman Khawaja makes a tight leave.
14.2
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hits the deck hard does Akash, on off, Usman Khawaja gets behind the line and stabs it onto the surface.
14.1
0
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Just past the edge! Pitched up, full and nibbling away from off, Usman Khawaja feels for it and goes for a front foot block but gets beaten past the outside edge.
14
over
14 | 8 Runs | HH: 77/0
13.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, Back to over the stumps with a leg slip in for the debutant. Siraj bends his back and bowls an effort ball now. Short and outside off, Sam Konstas walks ahead and tries to execute a big heave across but only manages to meet thin air. Konstas gets a bit of stare from Siraj as well.
13.5
1
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Around the wicket now for Khawaja. Length-delivery, on off, Usman Khawaja tucks it with soft hands to short mid-wicket and steals a quick single. Good quick running by these two!
13.4
1
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, On middle, on a length, Konstas watches it carefully and knocks it into the vast gap between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a single.
A slight halt in play as Sam Konstas has taken a blow to the groin area. He seems in a bit of discomfort and the physio is out to have a look. Thankfully, Konstas seems fine and we can continue with the proceedings...
13.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, Ouch! That must have stung him badly! At the stumps from Siraj, on a good length. Sam Konstas tries to execute another heave across the line but plays over it and gets rapped right on the box. He looks in a bit of pain out there. The pain which only goes away with time.
13.2
4
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, FOUR! That's how I do it, says Konstas! This is just remarkable batting! Short by Siraj this time around on the body, Sam Konstas stands tall and smacks the pull aerially. It lands just ahead of the boundary cushions for a boundary at deep mid-wicket.
13.1
2
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, FIFTY FOR THE DEBUTANT, KONSTAS! One of the most remarkable starts, if not the most remarkable ones, says Mark Nicholas on air. The Melbourne crowd is on its feet to cheer the brave youngster. Pitched fuller on the stumps, Sam Konstas gets it off the inside edge and it runs to the deep backward square leg region. The batters scamper back for the second. Konstas soaks in all the appreciations from the crowd and he deserves every bit of it.
Double change? No, Mohammed Siraj to bowl a 7th over on the trot.
13
over
13 | 4 Runs | HH: 69/0
12.6
1
Akash Deep to Sam Konstas, Konstas moves to 48! Angling onto the pads, on a length, Sam Konstas tucks it across to widish mid-wicket for a single to end the over.
12.5
0
Akash Deep to Sam Konstas, Back of a length, at off, Konstas gets forward and blocks it back to the bowler.
12.4
0
Akash Deep to Sam Konstas, Hard length, on the top of the middle and off stumps, Sam Konstas gets right behind the line and knocks it onto the pitch.
12.3
0
Akash Deep to Sam Konstas, Over the wicket to Konstas. Smidge fuller and around off, Sam Konstas prods half forward and drives it to mid off.
12.2
1
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Pulls his length back, on good length, outside off, Khawaja mistimes the pull shot to the square leg region for a single now.
12.1
2
Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Around the wickets comes Akash and lands it fuller, and around off, Usman Khawaja leans on the ball and flicks it along the ground to wide of mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
The first change in bowling from the Indians. Akash Deep replaces Jasprit Bumrah.
12
over
12 | 3 Runs | HH: 65/0
11.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, Another fiery short ball from Siraj! Sees the batter advancing and digs it in short over middle, extracting some good bounce as well, Sam Konstas swings wildly across the line but misses.
11.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, A well-directed short ball, right over the front shoulder, Sam Konstas looks to take it on but is beaten.
11.4
2
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, Back of a length and over off, Sam Konstas backs away and looks to cut but ends up hitting it wide of deep third and races back for the second run as well. Great eagerness from the young man to get back on strike, moves on to 47 now.
11.3
1
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Good-length delivery, on a tighter line around off, Khawaja hops across and tucks it to the left of mid-wicket for a quick single.
11.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Siraj comes around the wicket now and bowls it a bit full and in the channel outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone.
11.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Pitches the ball up around off, shaping back in, Usman Khawaja gets nicely forward and solidly blocks it off.
11
over
11 | 18 Runs | HH: 62/0
10.6
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Just over mid off and 18 runs come off that over! Length ball on off, Konstas looks to smash it straight but just miscues it a bit and gets it over mid off for a couple of runs.
10.5
4
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, FOUR! Wow, it keeps getting better and better for Sam Konstas. Bumrah tries to spear in a yorker at the off-stump line but Konstas just backs away and opens the face of the blade, slashing it off the stumps and well behind point for another boundary.
10.4
6
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, SIX! Sam Konstas is blazing up the already heated MCG in iconic fashion! Another slower delivery, floated up on the stumps, Konstas is a bit undone again but holds his shot and just launches the heave up and over wide mid on and the ball just sails over the fence as well, amazing.
10.3
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Konstas keeps the aggression going and the 50 is already up for Australia now. Short ball over middle, Konstas gets in position and muscles the pull through square leg for a couple of runs more.
10.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Slower delivery, floated up full and on the stumps, dipping as well, Sam Konstas is almost undone by it but manages to get some bat on it.
10.1
4
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, FOUR! That's been pummeled to the fence and even Jasprit Bumrah will now be rethinking his plans. Fuller delivery on off, Konstas is early to back away and drills the ball between mid off and covers for another boundary.
Whoa, it's heating up there already! A shoulder bump between Kohli and Konstas as soon as the over concluded while the former was passing by the youngster. Both have a bit of a verbal and Khawaja converges in between and tries to calm things up a bit. Kohli does not like that one bit, but Konstas is winning the battle here. He has sort of disrupted the line and length of the Indian bowlers.
10
over
10 | 7 Runs | HH: 44/0
9.6
1
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, The first proper short ball of the game and this is angled into the batter, Konstas takes it on off the front foot and mistimes the pull in front of deep square leg for a single.
9.5
4
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, FOUR! Sam Konstas with a top shot and now Siraj just has to quietly walk back to the top of his mark. Fractionally short and outside off, Konstas waits back well and makes a bit of room before slapping it wide of point for a cracking boundary.
9.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, Ouch, that must have stung Siraj and he gives a mouthful back to Konstas, a bit unnecessary though. Full and straight at the stumps, Konstas steps out and smashes the ball back and Siraj gets hit on the body.
9.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, Beaten! Just on a good length and in the channel around off, this one jags back in sharply off the deck, Konstas looks to play on the up but is well beaten between bat and pad.
9.2
2
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, Lovely shot! Hard length over off, Sam Konstas just walks forward and stays leg side of the ball before punching it on the up and through covers for a couple of runs.
9.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, On the money! Pitched-up delivery on off and angling back into middle and leg, Sam Konstas solidly blocks it off.
Drinks! Well, a nerve-jangling and action-packed first 45 minutes for sure. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj initiated the attack from the Indian side asking all the right questions initially and beating the edges on multiple occasions. However, as per the on-air commentators, the pacers were a tad bit short in their lengths. The two Aussie openers negotiated the first thirty minutes with alert. Konstas then, true to his anticipators, threw caution to the wind and announced himself with some really audacious shots on his debut against one of the best bowlers in the world. Runs have come at a brisk pace after that with the bowlers finding next to little help from the surface from those lengths. India would be desperate enough to get their first breakthrough and the hosts would aim to see through this session going unscathed. Let's see how the next phase of play pans out. Siraj to continue for the fifth over of his spell.
9
over
9 | 5 Runs | HH: 37/0
8.6
4
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, FOUR! A touch of elegance from Usman Khawaja there. Bumrah darts one into the pads, looking for the big outswinger but this one slides on, Khawaja clips it away nicely off his legs and gets it well wide of long leg for a boundary.
8.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Bumrah changes the angle of attack to Khawaja and bowls a brute of a delivery. Bowled full and outside off, drawing the batter forward but gets the ball to nip away with good carry, Khawaja plays and misses.
8.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Length ball, in and around off, going across the left-hander, Usman Khawaja leaves it alone.
8.3
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Hard length at the pads, Konstas looks to flick it away but the ball hits the thigh pad and goes towards backward square leg as the batters pick up a leg bye.
8.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Oh, a rare edge but just doesn't carry! Good length, on a tight line around off and nipping away late, Konstas gets squared up and gets an outside edge wide of Virat Kohli at second slip and he makes a good stop in the end.
8.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Half a shout for LBW but there seemed to be two noises there. Good length, starting on off and angling back in a mile, Sam Konstas is hurried on and beaten past the inside edge and gets hit on the thigh pads.
8
over
8 | 6 Runs | HH: 32/0
7.6
2
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, A couple more and the runs are coming at a brisk pace now for Australia as they are 32/0 at the end of 8 overs. Floated up in the channel around off, Khawaja lets the ball come on and just eases it away behind point for a couple of quick runs.
7.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, This is bowled quite full and around off, just angling across, Khawaja shoulders arms.
7.4
1
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, A hard-length delivery on off, just cutting back in, Konstas gets forward to block but gets an inside edge down to fine leg and picks up a single.
7.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, On a dragged length over off, hitting the deck hard, Konstas looks to step out and take it on but ends up miscuing it toward mid on.
7.2
3
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Siraj drops the length short and over middle and leg, Usman Khawaja leans back and pulls it firmly and just in front of square leg. The fielder has a long chase there and the batters manage to pick up three runs.
7.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Length ball around off, angled across the left-hander, Usman Khawaja looks to get forward but ends up leaving it alone.
7
over
7 | 14 Runs | HH: 26/0
6.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Good length on off, angling in, Sam Konstas with a confident-looking punch off the front foot and hits it straight to short covers. 14 off that over!
6.5
4
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, FOUR! Sam Konstas is taking down the big gun Jasprit Bumrah in style! Pitched-up delivery, just around off and Konstas pre-meditates a bit and just angles the reverse lap up and over down to deep third for a boundary. That one just bounced into the boundary cushion.
6.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, On a hard length and outside the line of off stump, left alone by Sam Konstas.
6.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Bumrah persists with the fuller length but pushes the ball wide of the off stump, Konstas looks to advance and open up the off side but is well beaten.
6.2
6
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, SIX! UNBELIEVABLE! Sam Konstas is fired up and picks up the first six of the match as well. Bumrah bowls another full one on off, Konstas shows quick hands and brings up the reverse lap, nailing it over the deep third fence for a biggie.
6.1
4
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, FOUR! Wow, Sam Konstas staying true to his beliefs and does get away with a cheeky boundary! Fuller in length on off and angling in, Konstas walks across the off stump and plays the normal lap shot, high and over the keeper's head down to fine leg for a boundary.
6
over
6 | 6 Runs | HH: 12/0
5.6
3
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, Aggressive again from Konstas and this time, he does get bat on ball. Hrad length, angled into the batter, Konstas walks down the pitch and heaves it away past square leg and picks up three runs.
5.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, Nervy stuff this from Sam Konstas and he is throwing caution to the wind every now and then without any end result. Short of a length and around off, Konstas just comes down the pitch and looks to hoick it away over mid-wicket but is well beaten.
5.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, Oh, a sharp delivery from Mohammed Siraj and they go in appeal for the LBW as well but it seems a bit high. Good length on off, nips back in off the deck, Sam Konstas with a loose attempted defense and he is struck on the top of the front pad as well.
5.3
3
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Drops the length short now and angles it across the left-hander, Usman Khawaja gets across a bit and forces the pull shot well in front of square and picks up three runs into the deep.
5.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Nagging length on off and middle, scrambled across the left-hander, Usman Khawaja stays back and has to get low and jam his bat down a bit to keep this one out.
5.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Very full and a fair bit wide of the off stump line, trying to get the ball to swing back into the left-hander but not much shape on this one. Easy leave for Khawaja.
5
over
5 | 0 Runs | HH: 6/0
4.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Oh, that one nearly snuck through! Bumrah with an inswinging yorker out of the blue, right on off and middle, Konstas is a bit late to judge the length but ends up jamming his bat down in time and gets an inside edge onto the pads. Maiden from Bumrah!
4.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Hard length around the fifth stump line, nipping away off the deck with some sharp bounce, Konstas gets his bat away from the line of the ball in some Marnus fashion.
4.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Immaculate length and in the channel around off, darting back in off the seam, Konstas ends up playing inside the line of this one.
4.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, That's a loose shot from Konstas! Floated up full and wide from Bumrah, Konstas brings out that reverse lap again but his feet go nowhere and he misses the connection by a long way.
4.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, A touch fuller and angled into the batter, straightening a touch as well, Konstas looks to block but gets squared up and gets a leading edge onto the off side.
4.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Served on a hard length outside off, from wider on the crease as well and holding its line, easy leave for Konstas.
4
over
4 | 4 Runs | HH: 6/0
3.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Pitches the ball up around middle, gets it to shape back in a bit as well, Usman Khawaja gets nicely onto the front foot and blocks it off.
3.5
4
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, FOUR! A touch too straight again and Usman Khawaja is able to get off the mark! Floated up a bit full but on leg stump and shapes back in, nice little tickle down to the fine leg fence for the first boundary of the game by Khawaja.
3.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Just slides one down the leg side, on a good length as well, Usman Khawaja looks to flick it off the legs but fails to get any bat on it.
3.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Good-length delivery, pushed across the left-hander, Khawaja leaves it alone.
3.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, A huge, huge appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down. Rohit Sharma has a long think about it and does opt for the review. Mohammed Siraj bowls this one on a good length on off and gets the ball to shape back in, Usman Khawaja walks forward and looks to negate the swing but is caught in front and misses the flick. The ball hits him on the pads but Ball Tracking eventually shows that the ball was just going over the line of off stump and India lose an early review.
3.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Nagging length in and around off, angling away naturally from the left-hander, Khawaja shoulders arms at it.
3
over
3 | 2 Runs | HH: 2/0
2.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Bumrah replies to that attempted reverse lap with a peach of a delivery. Goes wider on the crease and darts the ball back in off a fuller length, Konstas looks to defend but is beaten past the outside edge and the ball just misses the top of off stump as well.
2.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Oh, hello! Good length around the top of off, Sam Konstas brings out the reverse lap but fails to connect and everyone around him has a bit of a chuckle. Bumrah too, has a smirky smile as he walks back to the bowling mark.
2.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, On a hard length now and just outside off, good carry on that one as Konstas makes a leave.
2.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Pitches this one up on the middle stump line and the ball just starts to nip away, Konstas gets a bit forward and blocks it with a straight bat.
2.2
2
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, First runs of the Boxing Day Test and of Sam Konstas' Test career as well. Too straight from Bumrah, a touch full and on the pads, Konstas tucks it away well behind square leg and picks up a couple of runs.
2.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Just short of a good length and outside off, seaming away off the deck and Konstas lets it through to the keeper.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/0
1.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Maiden to begin with from Siraj as well! Fullish length, pushed wide of the off stump, trying to induce the drive but Khawaja leaves it alone.
1.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Pitched up in the channel around off and angling away, Usman Khawaja leaves this one alone.
1.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, And again! Much fuller on off, starts to shape back in and angles away quickly and zips past the outside edge of Khawaja's bat yet again.
1.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, On a length again and close to the off stump line, just angling away, Usman Khawaja is beaten past the outside edge again.
1.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Absolute peach of a delivery! Good length, around the top of off, seems to shape back into the left-hander but leaves Usman Khawaja late and he is taken completely aback.
1.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, A bit of a loosener to begin with from Siraj! Floats it up full and wide outside off, almost hugging the tramline as Khawaja makes a leave.
Bumrah's pace partner, Mohammed Siraj to operate from the far end. Siraj gets greeted with a mix of boos and cheers by the crowd. Quite and engaging crowd out there! And that's what this is all about.
1
over
1 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/0
0.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, A maiden to begin with and that was a top over from Jasprit Bumrah! Good-length delivery, in and around off, straightening down the line as well, Konstas looks to block but is beaten again.
0.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Another pearler from Bumrah and Konstas is somehow managing not to get an outside edge on it. Even fuller now and in the channel around off, nipping away sharply, Konstas is squared up a touch as the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
0.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Beaten again! Just a tad full and around off, threatening to nip back in but holds its line and Konstas plays inside the line once again.
0.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Another outswinger from Bumrah. On a good length around off and nibbling away with some good carry, a much easier leave this time for Konstas.
0.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Lovely delivery that from Bumrah! Pulls the length back a couple of inches and straightens the line on off, getting that outswinger going again, Konstas ends up playing inside the line of this one.
0.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, A bit of shape to begin with! Bumrah steams in and pitches the ball up on the fifth stump line and gets the ball to move away, Sam Konstas watches it all the way and leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.
What an electric atmosphere out there! We are done with 'Jan Gan Man' and 'Advance Australia Fair', and it is now time for the action to begin at the iconic 'G'. It is a full house and the two umpires are greeted with the sun shining to its glory. Rohit Sharma leads the Indian team to the middle as they walk out to spread out to their respective fielding positions. Out come the two Australian openers. It is the new pair of Usman Khawaja and the debutant Sam Konstas who walk up to the crease. As usual, Jasprit Bumrah will kick off the proceedings with the new ball for India. Three slips and a gully for him in readiness. And we are off and running...
We are just a few moments away from this Boxing Day Test to get underway. But, before that, the two stalwarts of the game, Adam Gilchrist and Irfan Pathan walk out with the shining trophy and carefully place it on the podium. A special mention about match referee Andy Pycroft, who will be officiating in his 100th Test match. Now, the two sets of teams stride out and line up for their respective national anthems followed by the match officials. It will be India's first, followed by Australia's national anthem.
PITCH REPORT - Mark Nicholas and Sunil Gavaskar are inspecting the Day 1 pitch at Melbourne. Mark starts and says that it is pretty hot out there. Adds that heavy roller is doing its job and also states that there's a lot of grass on the surface. Adds it is a fresh pitch and there will be plenty in it for the pacers. Gavaskar then says that the grass will die down and it will get better for the batters as the game progresses. Mentions that it is slightly tacky and the first two hours will be a bit tough for the opening batters. Mark concludes by saying that 92,000 tickets have been sold and they can't wait for the games to begin.
India (Playing XI) - Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar (In for Shubman Gill), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
Australia (Playing XI) - Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas (In for Nathan McSweeney), Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland (In for Josh Hazlewood).
Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, says they would have batted as well. Mentions it looks a good pitch and they will have to bowl well. Adds that there's a lot to play for and this gives another opportunity to play good cricket with whatever the situation lies in front of you. Says it is a new day and it is all about fighting and showing good character. Informs they have made one change, Shubman Gill misses out and Washington Sundar comes in for him. Also informs that he will bat at the top of the order.
Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia says that they will have a bat first. Reckons that the surface looks good and has some grass on it as well. Adds that it's been a great series so far and there's great anticipation for this game. Informs that Sam Konstas is making his debut and Scott Boland also comes in for Josh Hazlewood.
TOSS UPDATE - The flip of the coin lands in the favor of Australia and Pat Cummins elects to BAT first.
The mighty MCG, standing tall and proud, expects close to 90,000-odd staunch cricket fans to fill its stands. As things stand, if Australia dominates and wins, they'll keep their hopes alive and have a shot at claiming the trophy in the final Test. However, India simply needs to avoid defeat at the MCG to retain the trophy. Even if India loses the final Test after securing win at the MCG, they'll keep the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since a drawn series means the current holder retains the trophy. The atmosphere is electric and festive, charged with anticipation as both India and Australia know that victory here could be the decisive step toward the World Test Championship final. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the stage couldn't be grander. A lot is at stake here with crucial WTC points up for grabs. Let’s find out together who dominates. Toss and teams coming up very shortly.
Following the grand retirement of the crafty offie Ravichandran Ashwin, India has brought in the promising young spinner, Tanush Kotian, though his spot remains uncertain with experienced Washington Sundar also in contention. The pressure will again fall on Jasprit Bumrah, who leads the charge with 21 wickets, the most in the series. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj complete a pace attack that’s been impressive as well. 
India's batting troubles persist, with KL Rahul being their sole pillar of consistency. Others have blown hot and cold, failing to string together solid performances. Captain Rohit Sharma's form is particularly worrying, his quiet bat and unsettled batting position causing headaches before the Boxing Day Test. Virat Kohli has a century to his name this series but needs to deliver more, though his love affair with the iconic 'G', where he holds the team's best batting average, offers hope. Lower down, young gun Nitish Reddy and the battle-hardened Ravindra Jadeja have shown impressive grit and character.
The Australian middle order packs a serious punch, with Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne gradually finding their groove. But it's Travis Head who's been the real 'Head-ache' for India this series, topping the run-scoring charts with his trademark swashbuckling style. While a quad strain in Brisbane had the Aussie camp holding their breath, Head's been deemed fit to participate. Alex Carey has been equally dependable, shepherding the lower middle order with vital contributions. Meanwhile, the two pace stalwarts Mitchell Starc and skipper Pat Cummins will be aiming to replicate their form this time around as well. 
Australia's momentum in this series has been somewhat dampened by their opening woes. The musical chairs at the top of the order after Warner’s retirement continues to spin, with the latest chapter seeing Nathan McSweeney shown the exit after a string of below-par performances. Enter Sam Konstas, a wonderkid who's been turning heads in domestic cricket with his consistent run-scoring. Fresh off a ton against Prime Minister’s XI, the young gun now finds himself thrust into the pressure cooker of a Boxing Day Test, tasked with solving Australia's opening puzzle with Khawaja. Also, in the bowling department, Scott Boland, who, in fact looked equally threatening in Adelaide Test, replaces injured Josh Hazlewood.
After a gripping series thus far, both teams have traded punches and we find ourselves at this pivotal moment. India's commanding victory in the series opener in Perth was answered magnificently by Australia's resilience and domination in the second in Adelaide, followed by a draw at the Gabba, which, was marred mostly by rain, but in all fairness, it threw a lot of entertainment and tense moments as well with the momentum swinging back and forth.
Hello, everyone! The hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground awakens on this crisp morning after Christmas, as cricket's most storied rivalry prepares to write its next chapter. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy of 2024/25, delicately poised at 1-1, resumes its thrilling narrative on Boxing Day, a date that holds near-religious significance in the cricketing calendar. 
... MATCH DAY ...
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