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4th Test Updates: Aus in control; India 164/5 at close

Fri, 27 December 2024

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12:50

India reeling on 164/5 at stumps

Scott Boland celebrates

India 164-5 (46 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Australia bagged a few late wickets to take control on Day 2 of the fourth Test at the MCG on Friday.

India were reeling on 164/5 in 46 at stumps on the second day, trailing the hosts by 310 runs, with Rishabh Pant unbeaten on six and Ravindra Jadeja on four.

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India lost late wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was run out for 82, before Virat Kohli was dismissed caught behind off Scott Boland for 36.

Nightwatchman Akash Deep failed to survive till stump as he was caught off an inside edge off Boland for a duck.

India, who were well-placed on 153/2 at one stage, lost three wickets for six runs in the space of 21 balls.

The wicket of Jaiswal proved to be the turning point which happened after a huge mix up with Kohli, who also didn't last long after that incident.

Captain Rohit Sharma back as opener failed once again as he miscued the pull shot off Cummins for 3. The Australia captain produced a beauty to clean up the in-form K L Rahul for 24.

Earlier, Australia posted a huge 474 in their first innings with Steve Smith stroking a magnificent 140.

12:31

Jaiswal, Kohli fall; India collapse

India 159-5 (45 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Starc continues as Pant whips the full delivery to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Pant taps the next on the leg side for a single before Akash Deep survives a confident shout for leg before wicket.

Akash Deep again plays and misses as he pokes against Starc before he survives a leg before shout last ball.

Boland continues to chip away at the wickets. Nightwatchman Akash Deep doesn't survive till stumps as he inside edges the back of length ball and it lobs off the thigh pads with Lyon taking a sharp catch, diving forward at leg gully.

Akash Deep walks back for a duck as India slip to 159/5 in the 45th over.

India have lost three wickets for six runs in the last 23 deliveries.

Ravindra Jadeja gets the edge last ball but well short of the slips.

12:18

Jaiswal, Kohli depart; India 4 down

India 154-4 (43 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

A fortunate wicket for Australia with around 20 minutes left for stumps. Jaiswal set off immediately after stroking the ball to midwicket and Kohli took a step or two before turning back, leaving his partner completely stranded.

India have sent Akash Deep as the nightwatchman while Australia have brought back Starc.

Kohli pushes the second ball on the off-side for a single and Akash Deep leaves the next before he edges the next ball which goes on the bounce to the slip fielder.

Akash Deep at his watchful best as he keeps out the last two balls to end the over.

One wicket follows another! Boland strikes with the big wicket of Kohli, who gets the edge and is caught behind for 36.

After leaving a lot of deliveries outside the off-stump, Kohli makes the mistake of chasing a wide one only to get the edge.

Two wickets of well set batters in the space of eight balls as India slip to 154/4 in the 43rd over.

Rishabh Pant gets off the mark with a single on the leg side before Akash Deep pokes and is beaten.

12:07

Jaiswal run out for 82; India 3 down

India 153-3 (41 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Against the run of play, India lose the crucial wicket of the well-set Jaiswal, who is run out for 82 after a huge misunderstanding with Kohli.

Jaiswal hit Boland to mid-on and set for a quick single but Kohli was guilty of looking at the ball.

Jaiswal has run all the way to non-striker's end as Australia complete an easy run out.

Jaiswal looked in complete control during his 118-ball stay, hitting 11 fours and a six, putting on 102 runs for the third wicket with Kohli.

12:05

Jaiswal, Kohli revive India

India 148-2 (40 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Marsh gets the ball to swing as Jaiswal gets the edge trying to drive with the ball flying past the slips for a four.

He cuts the next ball to deep point for a single and Kohli defends the next before he misses the flick off the fifth ball.

Boland replaces Cummins as the pitch seems to have got a bit easier for batting.

Jaiswal and Kohli must make sure that they don't throw their good start. India will need atleast a couple of their batters to get past the hundred mark to challenge Australia's huge first innings total.

Jaiswal won't be kept quiet for long. He clobbers Marsh powerfully over long-on for a six.

He shuffles across but misses the clip next ball. Marsh and the close-in fielders are confident but the umpire is not interested before Cummins takes the DRS.

The ball has pitched outside the line of leg stump as Australia lose their first review.

Jaiswal ensures he doesn't take Marsh lightly as he treats the rest of the over with respect, playing five dots in a row.

India are 148/2 in 40 overs, with Jaiswal on 78 and Kohli on 35.

11:45

Jaiswal, Kohli revive India

India 134-2 (37 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Australia make a change as Mitchell Marsh replaces Lyon, who bowled 5 overs for 18 runs.

Jaiswal clips the first ball to fine leg for a single and Kohli does the same next ball for another run.

Jaiswal goes after a wide delivery, trying to drive as he gets the edge which flies in the gap wide of the slips to get him a single to thirdman and Kohli follows it up with one next ball.

In the next over, Kohli again plays a thumping pull shot off Cummins for a boundary square on the leg side. He tries the shot again next ball but can't get it off the middle, hitting it to the fielder, followed by a block.

By not chasing the wide deliveries, Kohli has forced Australia to try a different tactics by bowling on the stumps or try the bouncers.

11:36

Jaiswal hits fifty to rally India

Yashasvi Jaiswal

India 126-2 (35 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Cummins puts in extra effort but the bouncer is too high, sailing over Kohli while also beating wicketkeeper Carey for five wides.

Cummins goes full and wide but Kohli happy to leave before he clips the fifth ball off his pads for a single.

Kohli hits Lyon down to long-on for a single and Jaiswal takes one off the next. Slightly short from Lyon as Kohli cuts it past point for three runs to keep the scoreboard moving along.

Kohli plays a confident pull shot off Cummins for a single to deep square leg and Jaiswal takes one off the fifth ball.

India have progressed well to reach 126/2 in 35 overs, with Kohli and Jaiswal putting on 75 runs for the third wicket.

Jaiswal has stroked 63 from 99 balls, while Kohli has made 28 from 66 balls. The onus will now be on the duo to bat out the remaining 16 overs left before stumps.

11:21

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11:20

Jaiswal hits fifty to rally India

India 113-2 (32 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Jaiswal on the charge. He uses his feet to loft Lyon over mid-on for a boundary and takes one next ball.

Kohli hits the third ball down to long-on for a single and Jaiswal miscues the sweep shot which falls safely on the leg side.

Cummins brings himself back into the attack as Australia seek a breakthrough to halt India's charge.

Kohli gets a leading edge as he closes the face of the bat but the ball falls safely well short of point. He defends the fifth ball and leaves the last ball to play out a maiden over from Cummins.

Lyon vs Jaiswal is an interesting battle. Jaiswal is keen to continue the momentum but Lyon is not an easy bowler to attack.

Jaiswal defends the first three balls before he clips the fourth ball for a single and Kohli takes one off the next.

11:10

Jaiswal strokes fifty as India cross 100

India 105-2 (29 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Starc strays down the leg side as Kohli glances it fine for a four. The pacer gets his line right for the rest of the over and Kohli is only happy to block.

Lyon makes a slight error in length as Jaiswal is quick to rock back and smash it between cover and point for a four before he takes a single next ball.

Kohli has looked quite assured with his footwork. He carefully keeps out the last four balls from Lyon, playing with the spin.

In the next over, Jaiswal gets a thick outside edge which flies past the second slip fielder for a four. The left-hander played a loose shot, trying to drive the wide full delivery which swung away to take the edge.

Two balls later, he punches Starc off the backfoot past point for three runs to complete his fifty from 81 balls, with seven fours.

A timely return to form for Jaiswal, who had nothing else to show other than his century in Perth as he struggled for consistency.

Kohli takes a single to get Jaiswal back on strike. The youngster plays a stylish flick off a full delivery on the stumps, whipping it in the gap through midwicket for a four to take India past 100.

Another attempt at yorker from Starc as Jaiswal flicks it for a single this time. The pacer has overstepped to add another extra to India's total

10:56

Kohli, Jaiswal revive India

India 82-2 (26 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Boland is beaten on the outside edge as he attempts to drive Boland through the off-side before he ducks under the bouncer.

In the next over, Kohli is rewarded for his patience. Starc after bowling outside the line of off-stump goes a bit straight but the length is too full as Kohli flicks it through midwicket for a four.

Change in the bowling as spinner Nathan Lyon comes into the attack, to bowl the 26th over.

Jaiswal defends the first ball before he tries the sweep next ball but misses and is struck on the grill of the helmet as Lyon get the ball to turn and bounce.

He undergoes the mandatory concussion before he continues to bat. Jaiswal watchfully blocks the rest of the over as Lyon starts his spell with a maiden over.

Kohli and Jaiswal have played out more than 11 overs, putting on 31 runs for the third wicket to revive India after the two wickets in the second session.

10:44

Kohli, Jaiswal revive India

Yashasvi Jaiswal bats.

India 78-2 (23 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Finally, a shot of authority from Kohli. He pounces on the wide half-volley from Cummins, playing a handsome drive through the covers for a four.

He misses the clip as the ball goes off the pads for a leg bye and Jaiswal picks a single off the next on the off-side.

Boland overpitches as Jaiswal plays a cracking straight drive for a four. A few balls later he pushes away from his body and is beaten before he defends the last two balls.

Starc back into the attack in place of Cummins. He oversteps first ball as Kohli blocks the no-ball on the leg side before he drives the third ball straight back for two runs.

10:26

India lose Rahul; Australia on top

India 65-2 (20 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Kohli, who has made 21 runs in his last three innings since the century in Perth, needs a big knock not only for himself but also for the team.

Boland will not make things easy for Kohli as he keeps plugging in the channel just outside the off-stump -- a big problem area for the Indian batter.

Kohli watchfully keeps out the first five balls from Boland before he taps the last ball into the covers for a single.

Cummins also teasing Kohli with the wide line, who has resisted the temptation to hit through the off-side.

Kohli picks a single to fine leg off the fifth ball and Jaiswal pulls the Australian skipper for a boundary off the last ball.

Kohli intent on leaving as much as possible. He offers no stroke to the first two balls before he picks a single on the leg side off the fourth.

India are 65/2 in 20 overs, having made 14 runs in five overs since the tea break.

10:14

India lose Rahul; Australia on top

India 58-2 (17 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Virat Kohli and Jaiswal face a huge rebuilding task in the post-tea session. The pitch is not getting easier for batting with the odd ball holding up or bouncing a bit extra.

Boland starts off with the ball in the final session. Jaiswal defends the first ball on the off-side before he leaves the next followed by another drive to mid-off.

Jaiswal pushes away from his body and is beaten on the outside edge as Boland gets the length ball to angle away.

Virat Kohli gets off the mark as he clips Cummins on the leg side for one before Jaiswal edges the next but well short of the slips.

Two balls later, Jaiswal ramps Cummins over the slips for a boundary and hits the last ball in the gap through the covers for a couple.

09:45

Cummins dismisses Rahul before tea

India 51-2 (15 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Cummins comes back for a short burst before the tea break as he replaces Starc, who bowled six overs for 14 runs.

Jaiswal watchfully plays out a maiden over as Cummins sticks to a good line and length just outside the off-stump.

He will have to be careful with his shot selection so close to the tea interval.

Boland overpitches on the pads as the in-form Rahul plays a nice flick to deep square leg for two runs and bring up India's 50, in the 13th over.

Both these batters have done well to play out the new ball and calm the nerves in the dressing room after Rohit's dismissal.

Extra bounce for Boland as Rahul coming forward to defend is struck flush on the right gloves.

He gets the edge next ball as he attempts to get his bat out of the way at the last second. The ball goes on the bounce towards slips where Smith dives to his right to stop the ball.

Cummins to bowl the final over of the session. Jaiswal nudges the first ball for a single on the leg side and Rahul blocks the next.

Full and straight from Cummins as Rahul blocks it with a straight bat.

Cummins strikes with the key wicket of the in-form Rahul with a cracking delivery.

The ball holds on the pitch a little bit and moves away to beat Rahul on the outside edge to bowl him for 24.

India go into the tea break on 51/2 in 15 overs, with Jaiswal unbeaten on 23.

09:32

Jaiswal, Rahul steady India

India 48-1 (12 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Starc continues as Rahul defends the first ball before he plays a splendid drive through the covers for a four.

He goes for another drive but gets it off the inside half on the leg side for two runs followed by two leaves in a row to end the over.

Australia will be aiming for another wicket before the tea break which is around 10 minutes away.

Jaiswal looking in good touch as he hits Boland in the gap at covers for three runs before he is beaten on the outside edge.

He flicks the last ball behind square on the leg side for three runs and Jaiswal keeps strike with a single from the last ball.

India have maintained a good scoring to reach 48/1 in 12 overs, with both Jaiswal and Rahul on 22 each.

09:24

Jaiswal, Rahul steady India

India 35-1 (10 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Cummins errs with his length as Jaiswal makes most, playing a beautiful straight drive past mid-on for a four.

He taps the third ball into the off-side for a quick single. Rahul also shows some classy with a handsome straight drive, beating mid-off for the second four of the over.

He gets the edge off the last ball but it doesn't carry to the fielder at third slip.

Starc keeping it just outside the off-stump to Jaiswal, who doesn't want to risk playing away from his body as he leaves the first three balls.

He drives the fourth ball into the covers where the fielder makes a good stop to save some runs followed by a single off the next.

Scott Boland replaces Cummins, who got the early wicket during his first spell of 1/26 in four overs.

The first ball is on the stumps as Jaiswal defends and does the same next ball.

Boland gets the ball to slant across left-hander who pushes forward and is beaten.

Boland starts with a maiden over as India reach 35/1 in 10 overs, with Jaiswal on 18 and Rahul on 13.

09:12

Blow for India; Rohit fails again!

India 25-1 (7 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Jaiswal plays a loose shot as he looks to play the big cover drive off Starc, who gets the full delivery to swing away and beat the outside edge.

He is beaten a few balls later as he chips down the track and pokes at it. The left-hander clips the fifth ball through midwicket for two runs and hits the last ball into the covers.

Rahul gets off the mark in some style, with a thumping cover drive off Cummins for a boundary. He gets the leading edge off the third ball but well short of point before he punches the next through the covers for three runs.

Extra bounce and movement for Cummins as Jaiswal is struck high on the pads but the leg before shout is turned down.

Starc drifts on the pads and Rahul eases it through square leg for two runs.

09:12

Blow for India; Rohit fails again!

India 25-1 (7 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Jaiswal plays a loose shot as he looks to play the big cover drive off Starc, who gets the full delivery to swing away and beat the outside edge.

He is beaten a few balls later as he chips down the track and pokes at it. The left-hander clips the fifth ball through midwicket for two runs and hits the last ball into the covers.

Extra bounce and movement for Cummins as Jaiswal is struck high on the pads but the leg before shout is turned down.

Starc drifts on the pads and Rahul eases it through square leg for two runs.

08:53

Blow for India; Rohit fails again!

India 14-1 (4 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Jaiswal clips Starc's first ball to mid-on for a single and Rahul tries the glance off a full delivery down the leg side but can't connect.

Rahul defends the next few balls before Starc sends down a quick yorker which he does well to jam his bat down in time.

Jaiswal looking to be positive. He ramps the wide short ball from Cummins over the slips for a four and gets a single next ball.

A huge appeal from Cummins as Rahul is struck on the pads by the full delivery which swings in.

Australia have a small discussion before deciding not to review and rightly so as the ball tracker shows it would have gone down.

08:45

Rohit fails again; dismissed for 3

India 8-1 (2 ovs) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Pat Cummins from the other end. Jaiswal taps the second ball on the off-side and takes a quick single to get off strike.

Rohit plays a sweetly-timed straight drive, hitting it back past the bowler with a mere push for three runs as Head makes a good stop near the ropes.

Jaiswal clips the fourth ball to fine leg for a single.

Cummins strikes the early blow as Rohit is caught in a tangle after trying to play the pull shot as he spoons a simple catch to Boland on the leg side.

Rohit's horror run continues as he walks back for three.

That was a good short ball from Cummins on the line of the stumps. Rohit can't resist going for the pull shot but is clearly beaten for pace and only manages the top edge.

Poor approach from Rohit to attempt such a reckless shot so early in the innings as India suffer an early blow.

K L Rahul walks in at No 3.

08:39

Australia bowled out for 474

India 3-0 (1 ov) vs Aus 474 | Scorecard

Rohit Sharma walks out to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal. He had batted in the middle order in the last two Tests but here he is making a statement by opening the innings.

Mitchell Starc opens the bowling for Australia. Jaiswal offers no shot to the first ball before he hits the next straight back as Starc gets a hand on it, to concede just a single and get off the mark.

Rohit misses the flick off the incoming delivery as he takes a leg bye.

Jaiswal goes for the big drive through the off-side but is beaten on the outside edge as Starc gets the full delivery to swing away. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey interested but nothing much from the others.

Jaiswal picks a single off the fifth ball and Rohit leaves the last ball.

08:23

Australia bowled out for 474

India's players celebrate a wicket during Day 2

Aus 474 all out (122.4 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Lyon sweeps Jadeja for a single to deep square leg and Boland happy to block out the rest of the over as he looks to just stay at the wicket.

In the next over, Lyon and Boland pick a single each off Siraj before the former plays a beautiful straight drive for a four.

Interestingly, Boland has taken majority of the strike in this partnership, having faced 36 balls out of 47. He has just looked to block everything and support Lyon, who is looking for a few runs.

India have had enough of this last wicket stand as they bring back Bumrah.

The first ball is full and swings away to beat Lyon on the outside edge before he flicks the next off his pads for two easy runs.

Bumrah finishes off Australia's innings as he traps Lyon leg before wicket. He takes the review while walking off the field.

He missed the flick and was struck above the knee roll. The ball is clipping the top of the stumps as the decision stays with umpire's call.

Lyon is given out LBW for 13 as Australia are bowled out for 474 in 122.4 overs in their first innings.

Bumrah once again starred with the ball for India, taking 4/99 in 28.4 overs, while Jadeja took 3/78 and Akash Deep bagged 2/94.

08:08

Smith out for 140; Australia 9 down

Aus 465-9 (119 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Jadeja continues as Lyon hits the first ball towards point for a single and a watchful Boland happy to block the remaining five deliveries.

Akash Deep from the other end. Lyon gets a single first ball before Boland takes one off the next to get off the mark.

Another run for Lyon to fine leg and Boland gets two runs off the next courtesy of an overthrow to make it five runs from the over.

The two lower order batters not throwing their wickets away, instead looking to collect the ones and twos and take Australia closer to 500.

Lyon looks to have Jadeja over midwicket but mistimes it to long-on for one.

Jadeja strikes again as Boland is given out leg before wicket before he reviews immediately. There is a clear inside edge before the ball strikes the pads as the decision is overturned.

Siraj replaces Akash Deep. Lyon inside edges the first ball and rushes for a quick single as non-striker Boland clashes with Siraj, who tries to rush to his right to collect the ball but no drama this time around.

Siraj gets Boland leg before wicket with a full delivery which strikes him in front and again there is a review.

The full incoming delivery beat Boland on the inside edge but it is doing too much and going down to miss the leg stump.

Boland gets two on-field decisions overturned in the space of two overs to the umpires in a spot.

The last pair have put on 10 runs from 29 balls so far to frustrate the Indians.

07:53

Smith out for 140; Australia 9 down

Aus 455-9 (115 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Akash Deep from the other end. He strikes first ball with the wicket of Smith, who is bowled off the inside edge after a brilliant knock of 140 from 197 balls.

He came down to smash Akash Deep through the off-side but ended up inside edging the ball on to his pads before it rolled on to the stumps.

Two wickets in seven balls for India after the lunch break.

Scott Boland is the last man for Australia. He defends the first ball on the leg side before ducking under a bouncer and keeps out the rest of the over.

07:44

Jadeja strikes; Australia 8 down

Aus 455-8 (114 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Jadeja starts off with the ball after lunch with a well spread out field to Smith.

The first ball is pitched up as Smith drives it back to Jadeja and hits the next to long-off for a single.

Jadeja strikes the early blow after lunch as he bowls Starc off the third ball for 15. The ball skidded straight on as the left-hander playing for the turn was beaten and was bowled.

Turn and bounce for Jadeja as Nathan Lyon is beaten trying to defend. He rocks back to keep out the next ball.

07:05

Smith hits ton; Australia 454/7 at lunch

Steve Smith celebrates his century.

Aus 454-7 (113 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Steve Smith smashed a record 11th Test century against India as Australia dominated the morning session on Day 2 of the fourth Test at MCG on Friday.

Smith was unbeaten on 139 as Australia went into the lunch break on 454/7 in 113 overs. The Australia right-hander slammed the Indian bowlers all around the park, hitting 13 fours and three sixes in his 194-ball knock, while Mitchell Starc was 15 not out at the break.

India bagged just one wicket in the morning session when Pat Cummins was caught at mid-off after a good knock of 49, after he had put on 112 runs for the seventh wicket with Smith to set the tone for Australia's domination.

Resuming on 311/6, Australia scored 143 runs in 27 overs at a run rate of 5.30 as the Indian bowlers looked completely clueless.

Unless, they strike early after lunch, the Indians are set for session of leather hunt after lunch.

07:01

Smith hits century; Aus 454/7 at lunch

Aus 454-7 (113 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Bumrah back for a short burst before the lunch break. Starc makes a statement as the left-hander smashes the second ball from the fast bowler over long-on for a six.

An angry Bumrah responds with a bouncer as Starc avoids it before he defends the next back to the bowler.

Another bouncer which Starc ducks under and blocks the last ball back to the bowler.

Sundar from round the wicket. Smith clips the first ball square on the leg side for two runs and takes one off the next delivery.

Starc gets a thick outside edge off Sundar with the ball going past the slip fielder for two runs as Australia go past 450.

06:50

Smith hits century; Aus dominate

Steve Smith celebrates his century.

Aus 440-7 (110 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Spin from both ends as Washington Sundar comes back into the attack. Smith in full flow as he paddles the spinner's first ball fine on the leg side for a four.

He clips the next for a single before Starc is beaten as Sundar gets the ball to turn and go past the outside edge.

Starc picks a single off the last ball to retain strike.

Smith hitting the Indian bowlers all around the park. He lofts Jadeja inside out over the covers for a four despite a good diving effort from Reddy at long-off and Starc takes one off the next.

Sundar beats Starc as he gets the ball to turn sharply and go past the outside edge. The left-hander keeps out the next few balls before taking a single on the off-side.

06:37

Cummins out for 49; Australia 7 down

Aus 426-7 (107 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Jadeja brings India some relief with the wicket of Cummins. The Australia captain looks to loft the spinner down the ground but ends miscuing the shot to be caught by Reddy at mid-off.

Cummins missed out a deserved fifty. He walks back after a handy knock of 49 from 63 balls, having put on 112 from 135 balls for the seventh wicket to put Australia in charge.

Mitchell Starc watchfully keeps out the rest of the over from Jadeja.

Siraj continues as Smith steers the first ball past point for two runs and then takes one towards point.

Siraj bowls a high bouncer which sails high over Starc and also beats Pant for five wides as the Indians continue to leak runs.

Starc pushes the pacer into the gap on the off-side for a single to get off the mark.

In the next over, Starc sweeps Jadeja for one before Smith misses the lap sweep.

However, he slog sweeps the next ball powerfully over midwicket for a four and punches the last ball for a single to sweeper cover.

06:26

Smith's century takes Australia past 400

Aus 411-6 (104 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Spin introduced as Ravindra Jadeja replaces Siraj. The two Australians pick two singles each to raise the 100-run stand for the seventh wicket from 128 balls.

Siraj continues from the other end. Smith misses the clip as he collects a leg bye to bring up Australia's 400, in the 104th over.

Siraj bowls a quick bouncer as Cummins ducks under before he gets off strike with a single on the leg side.

Smith cutting loose. He takes on the short ball from Siraj, getting inside the line to pull it over fine leg for his third six.

He chips down the track next ball to smash Siraj through the covers for another boundary.

06:19

Smith hits century; Aus dominate

Aus 394-6 (102 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Smith, who got his 11th Test century against India, now holds the record for most Test century against them. He went past Joe Root, who had 10 centuries against India in Tests.

The Indian bowlers have looked quite clueless so far on Day 2. Smith and Cummins have been to score easily without taking too many risks.

Siraj tries the short ball at Cummins, who backs away and slashes it past point for a boundary and then takes one.

A few balls later, Cummins makes room to smash Siraj square on the off-side beating the man at deep point for another four.

The last ball is a quick bouncer which takes off as it sails high over Cummins and also beats Pant and has been ruled as five wide.

26 runs from the last three overs as Australia charge towards 400.

06:13

Smith hits century; Aus dominate

Aus 379-6 (101 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Reddy continues after the drinks break. Smith clips the second ball to square leg for one and Cummins cuts the fourth ball for another run.

Smith slaps the pacer through the covers for a couple of runs to take his score to 99.

He brings up his century in grand style, playing a handsome drive through the covers for a four -- his second in a row.

This is Smith's 34th Test century as he continues his dream run at MCG, where he has scored five hundreds.

06:05

Smith, Cummins put Aus in control

Aus 371-6 (100 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

A confident appeal for leg before wicket against Smith, who is struck on the pads by the incoming delivery from Siraj.

Siraj is pretty confident but the umpire is not interested. India have one review but Rohit Sharma is not keen on the DRS.

There was a clear inside edge and the Indians did well not to take the review.

Cummins keeps the scoreboard ticking along as he taps Siraj on the off-side for one.

Smith flicks the pacer for an easy run to deep square leg to take his score to 96.

Australia are well-placed on 371/6 in 100 overs, having scored 60 runs in 14 overs bowled in the opening hour.

06:00

Smith, Cummins put Aus in control

Aus 368-6 (99 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Smith making a statement as he moves inside the line and pulls the short ball from Bumrah for a six over fine leg to move into the 90s.

Siraj, who earlier bowled just one over at the start of the day, is back into the attack as he replaces Akash Deep.

Akash Deep disappointed with the new ball as his five-over spell went for 30 runs in the morning session.

Siraj starts his new spell with a maiden over to Cummins.

Double bowling change as Nitish Reddy replaces Bumrah. Smith clips the first ball to square leg for a single.

Cummins is beaten as he pokes away from his body at a full delivery which swings away. He cuts the next ball to deep point for one and Smith keeps strike with one from the last ball.

05:47

Smith, Cummins pile on the runs!

Aus 359-6 (96 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Poor delivery from Akash Deep as he drifts down the leg side and Smith glances it fine for a four, to take his score into the 80s.

The next ball swings away but Smith manages to control the steer past the slips for two runs to bring up Australia's 350.

He taps the third ball for a quick single.

Cummins waiting for the short ball as he backs away and ramps Akash Deep over the slips for a four.

Sunil Gavaskar on commentary not happy with Akash Deep's lacklustre bowling on Day 2. 'He has wasted the new ball today,' says the legend.

The next ball is again short but much quicker as Cummins misses the ramp shot this time.

Cummins backs away to hammer the last ball, punching it through the covers for another boundary to make it 15 runs from the over.

The partnership for the seventh wicket has now crossed 50 runs, with Australia scoring 48 runs from the first 10 overs of the day.

05:42

Smith, Cummins pile on the runs!

Aus 344-6 (95 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Watching how he fended the short ball in Bumrah's previous over, India have a fielder at short leg for Cummins.

A good short ball from Bumrah as Cummins fends it uppishly past short leg fielder for a single. He was not in control of the shot and somehow managed to get it wide of the fielder.

Smith forward and across as he leaves the full delivery from Bumrah before taking one off the fifth ball.

Another cracking bouncer from Bumrah as Cummins avoids it awkwardly ducking under at the last second.

Cummins has not looked comfortable against the short ball tactics from Bumrah, which has helped India check the scoring rate.

05:36

Smith, Cummins pile on the runs!

Steve Smith

Aus 342-6 (92 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Cummins doing well to keep the scoreboard moving along. He steers the back of length delivery from Akash Deep past the gully fielder for a couple of runs and clips the next to fine leg for one, while the pacer has overstepped for another extra run.

Smith gets a leg bye after missing the clip and Cummins crashes the overpitched delivery past mid-off for a four and takes one off the last ball to retain strike.

The partnership is now 43 from 62 balls with Cummins leading the charge with 25 from 28 balls.

31 runs have come from the first six overs of the day as Australia have firmly seized the momentum in the first 30 minutes.

Bumrah continues as Cummins is beaten as he pokes outside the off-stump before he ducks under a quick bouncer. The next ball is again short and this time Cummins fends it on the leg side followed by a full delivery which swings away to beat the outside edge.

05:24

Australia off to positive start on Day 2

Aus 332-6 (91 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Cummins is beaten on the outside edge as he pushes away from his body but Akash Deep has overstepped to concede a no-ball. He does well to push the next into the off-side for a single.

Smith keeps out the next few balls before he crashes the wide delivery from Akash Deep through the covers for a four.

Smith shuffles across but misses the clip as the ball goes off the pads for a leg bye.

Bumrah bowls a beauty as the new ball moves away to go past the outside edge. There is some noise but it has clipped the back pad as Indians appeal but the umpire says not out.

The next ball is gain full and swings away to go past the outside edge and this time even Smith acknowledges the good delivery from Bumrah.

Smith shuffles across but this time he leaves the full wide delivery.

Australia have made a good start, scoring 21 runs from the first five overs of the day.

05:13

India eye early wickets on Day 2

Aus 325-6 (89 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

No Jasprit Bumrah at the start of the day as Akash Deep bowls from the other end.

Akash Deep looking to stick to the channel outside the off-stump as Smith leaves the first two balls. The third ball is full and swings into the right-hander, who pushes it to mid-on and defends the fourth ball on the off-side.

He leaves the fifth ball and the last ball goes off the outside half into the off-side as Akash Deep starts off with a maiden over.

Just one over for Siraj on Day 2 as Bumrah is immediately called into the attack. Cummins taps the first ball into the covers for a quick single and Smith ignores the next bowled full and wide.

He shuffles across and misses the clip followed by a block. The last ball is full and swings away as Smith gets the edge trying to defend with the ball flying past the slips for a four.

05:06

India eye early wickets on Day 2

Aus 320-6 (87 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

The Indian players are wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday.

Mohammed Siraj starts off with the ball for India on Day 2. Steve Smith. resuming on 68, taps the first ball on the off-side for a quick single.

Pat Cummins makes a positive start as he square drives the wide half-volley past point for a four and clips the third ball through square leg for three runs to make it eight runs from the first three balls of the day.

Smith keeps strike with a single from the last ball to make it nine runs from the first over of the day.

04:52

India eye early wickets on Day 2

Aus 311-6 (86 ovs) vs India | Scorecard

Welcome to the coverage of Day 2 of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

India will be aiming for early wickets to keep Australia in check on the second day.

India fought back with four late wickets to leave Australia on 311/6 on day one of the fourth Test on Thursday after teen debutant Sam Konstas had lit up the MCG with a thrilling knock in the morning.

Tempers rose in blazing heat in front of a bumper Boxing Day crowd of 87,242, with Virat Kohli booed by home fans after bumping shoulders with Konstas on the pitch after the 19-year-old smashed India's bowlers around the park early on.

Konstas shrugged off the clash on the way to scoring 60 from 65 balls as Australia's top order rewarded captain Pat Cummins's decision to bat after he won the toss.

It was left to Jasprit Bumrah to keep India in the fight, the pace spearhead bowling danger man Travis Head for a duck with the ageing ball and getting all-rounder Mitchell Marsh to nick behind for four.

Seamer Akash Deep later chipped in with the wicket of Alex Carey for 31, breaking a rapid, 53-run partnership with Steve Smith.

Smith was 68 not out, with tailender Cummins on eight.

Having sailed past 150 for the loss of one wicket, Australia were only narrowly ahead of the game by stumps.

Opener Usman Khawaja and number three Marnus Labuschagne both squandered chances for drought-breaking centuries.

Khawaja pulled Bumrah straight to KL Rahul at midwicket to be out for 57 before tea and Labuschagne was caught for 72 trying to slog all-rounder Washington Sundar over mid-off.

Labuschagne's wicket ended an 83-run partnership with Smith as Australia lost three wickets for nine runs.

Konstas earlier had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he took to Bumrah with gusto and got under the visitors' skin.

4th Test Updates: Aus in control; India 164/5 at close

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