India level series at MCG with convincing eight-wicket win against Australia

Melbourne: Stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane led India to a dominant eight-wicket win over Australia in the second Test on Tuesday, leveling the series 1-1 and capping an extraordinary turnaround after their record collapse in the first Test at Adelaide.

Rahane hit an unbeaten 27 after a century in the first innings as India reached the target of 70 for the loss of two wickets.

India battled hard to dismiss Australia for 195 in the first innings and then posted 326 in reply.

Australia resumed their second innings on day four on 133 for six with a two-run lead, and their hopes resting on 21-year-old rookie all-rounder Cameron Green.

He made 45 as they battled to 200 before tail-ender Josh Hazlewood was the last man to fall before lunch.

Siraj took 3-37 with Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin grabbing two each. Rahane and Gill (35) then saw India home.

Mitchell Starc dismissed out-of-form Mayank Agarwal (5), which Tim Paine caught, then Pat Cummins removed Cheteshwar Pujara for three, edged to Green at gully. India were left on 19 for two before they regained their composure to seal the win.

On the other hand, Australia were fined 40 percent of their match fee and docked four World Test Championship points for a slow over-rate.

The third Test between both sides will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 07.

Read: Australia thrash India with the bowl to win Adelaide Test

 

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