... 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

Jasprit Bumrah to Nathan Lyon, ! LBW! Another appeal for LBW and once again the finger goes up! Lyon reviews it straightaway but starts to walk away back to the dugout.

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.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Touch full and on the stumps, Scott Boland knocks it to mid on.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Slow and floated fuller on the stumps, Boland leans ahead and defends it straight.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Flat and quick, around off, Boland hangs back and guides it to the point region.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Nice and full, on middle, pushed back to Jadeja.

Mohammed Siraj to Nathan Lyon, ! 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. 

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, On the hard length, slanting in on middle, Boland gets on the back foot and knocks it to point.

Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, Straight and full, on off, Boland prods forward and pushes if firmly back to the bowler.

Mohammed Siraj to Nathan Lyon, Half-tracker angling on off, Lyon nudges it across to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Nathan Lyon, Length ball, on top of off, Nathan Lyon hops on the back foot and eases it onto the pitch.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Attacks the stumps, full and on middle, Boland prods ahead and blocks it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Slow and on the pads, on a length, Boland taps it with soft hands beside the pitch.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Floated full and on middle, swept away to deep square leg for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, ! TRAPPED IN FRONT! A huge appeal for LBW and the umpire Joel Wilson raises his finger instantly! Scott Boland has again gone upstairs and reviewed it.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, Hard length, on off, tapped away to mid on.

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 anyways.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, 2 runs.

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!

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Just a bit outside off, on a length, left alone by Boland.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, No run.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Nice and full, pitched up and around off, Lyon defends it out.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, Good length angling into the leg stump. Boland defends it out.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, 2 runs.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Identical line and length, at the same trajectory as well. Boland is happy to let that pass.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Flat and goes on with the arm, around off, Scott Boland leaves.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Pitched fuller and pushed through on middle, Boland lunges ahead and defends it with a straight bat.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Full and around off, quicker and flatter, Boland defends it out.

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.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, Nice and full, angling on off, punched firmly back to the bowler by Boland.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, No run.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, No run.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, No run.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, No run.

Scott Boland is the last man in for Australia.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, ! b Akash Deep.

Akash Deep to operate from the other end.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Full and outside off. It lands, grips and sharply spins away past the outside edge.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Flat and on a length, at off, block off well by Lyon.

Nathan Lyon is the new batter in.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, ! STRAIGHT THROUGH HIS DEFENCE! Jadeja strikes right after the Lunch break and gets another one. Australia are 8 wickets down now! 

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.

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.

... 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 sess

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.

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!

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Very full, almost a yorker at off, Starc digs it out to mid on.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, A sharp bumper on the bodyline. Mitchell Starc just about ducks under it.

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.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Floated up with a bit of a loop, around off, Starc leaves it.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, 2 runs.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Nice and full, outside off, left alone.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, No run.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Pitched up, full and on middle, Mitchell Starc knocks it back to Bumrah.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Bangs it short and around off, Starc sways away from the line and lets it pass.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, ! 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 and tonks it behind long on for a six.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah is summoned back into the attack now. Comes from around the stumps, on a fuller length, on the stumps. Starc blocks it out to mid on.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Slower through the air, on off and full, Starc strides ahead and defends.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, No run.

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.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Floated up, full and on off, Starc leans ahead and eases it into the off side.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Short and slow on off, punched to mid off.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Four!

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Around the stumps, on a length, on middle, tucked away down to long on for one.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Sprayed down leg. Left alone by Starc.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Full on off, Mitchell Starc drives it inside-out to deep cover for a single.

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.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, No run.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, No run.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Flat and on a length, on the pads, Steven Smith nudges it to deep square leg for a single.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, ! 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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, ! 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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Flat and floated up, full and around off, Smith looks to paddle it away but misses.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Full again, on middle, Starc leans on and pushes it back to Jadeja.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Nice and full on middle, turned away to square leg by Starc.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Angling down leg on a length, Steven Smith misses to glance off the hips.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Nagging length, on off, Smith gets on the back foot and punches it onto the surface.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Mitchell Starc, A tad bit full in length, on off, Starc drills it to wide of mid off for a single.

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.

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 a shortish length. Smith swings and misses.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Length, just outside off, Steven Smith eases the cut to deep backward point for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Starc now tucks this short ball to short leg. A wicket-maiden over from Jadeja!

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Short in length, on the middle and leg, tapped away to mid-wicket.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, ! c Nitish Kumar Reddy b Ravindra Jadeja.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, ! 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.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Six!

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Australia bring up their 400 now!

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, The 100-run stand is up between these two now!

Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, Tad full and outside off, punched away to backward point.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, Slow and short, on off, cut away pretty late by Cummins, past the backward point fielder for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Short and on off, cut away to deep point by Smith for one.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, ! These runs from Cummins will sting India, a lot! A good effort by Jaiswal, but could have done much better!

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Leg bye.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, ! 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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, ! 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!

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, The scoreboard keeps ticking for 'Straya'! Smith moves to 99 now!

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.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Angling on the pads again, on a length, Smith steers it towards deep square leg for a single.

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 sixth-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

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Another appeal for LBW but this way more stifled and comfortably missing leg as well.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Risky single but well-judged in the end!

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Ooh, more than a half an appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, No run.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, No run.

Change.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, ! Steven Smith moves into the 90s in style!

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.

Whoa, what happened there?

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, On a good length and in the channel, nipping away with some extra bounce, Smith leaves it alone.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, ! A third boundary in the over and 15 runs come off it!

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, ! 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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, 2 runs.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, ! 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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, No run.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, ! 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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Leg bye.

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.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Beaten again!

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, ! 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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Banged into the pitch, short and wide, and going further away, left alone by Smith.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, ! 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.

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.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Just a smidge fuller and on the fifth stump line, swinging away nicely, and Steven Smith leaves it alone.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, 1 run.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

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.

Not Bumrah, but it will be Akash Deep to operate from the far end.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Sloppy work in the field by Washington Sundar and this is a quick start for Australia.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, ! 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.

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! The umpires are in position and the Indian players have started to take their places on the field as well. 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 th

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 Labusc

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

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 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. Cheer

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 hi

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 82,000 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.

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!

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, 2 runs.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Angles it on the middle and leg stump, on a length. Pat Cummins tucks it across to mid-wicket.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Short of a good length, just outside off, Cummins leaves it alone.

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, 1 run.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, EDGED AND ! 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 boundary through the right of the third slip.

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.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Pitched outside off, on a shorter length, Steven Smith offers no shot at it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, An inswinger on a shortish length, angling on middle, Steven Smith fends it to point.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, No run.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, ! c Rishabh Pant b Akash Deep.

Who comes in next?

Akash Deep comes back in to share the second new ball with Jasprit Bumrah.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, No run.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Nagging length, on the fourth stump, Smith taps it into the off side with soft hands.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Angling outside off, on a good length, Steven Smith leaves it alone.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Short again, on off, Steven Smith gets on the back foot and blocks it with a straight bat.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, No run.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Much fuller this time, on middle and leg, Smith gets ahead and works it to the leg side.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Drags the length back, on middle, Smith swats it to square leg.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Nice and full, pitching outside leg, Steven Smith turns it to short leg.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Too full, on off, Smith leans ahead and pushes it back to Sundar.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Length, on the fifth stump line, Steven Smith presses forward and knocks it to cover.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, No run.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, No run.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Floats it full and wide of off, spinning away sharply. Carey leaves.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Alex Carey, Slightly full and across off, Carey prods ahead and drives it past covers for a single.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Nagging length, outside off again, Steven Smith watches the ball closely and lets it be.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Hard length, outside off, Smith covers the stumps and leaves it alone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Looped up, full and on middle, Steven Smith leans on and defends it back to the bowler.

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.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, 1 run.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, No run.

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

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Floats it outside off, on a length, left alone by Carey.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Good length, angling into the body. Smith gets across and tucks it to short mid-wicket with soft hands.

Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, 1 run.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Short of a good length, onto the pads, Steven Smith hangs back and tucks it across to mid-wicket.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Dropped full and on the stumps, clipped away to mid-wicket by Smith.

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.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, ! 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.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Flat and on middle and leg, Alex Carey rocks back and stabs it to short mid-wicket.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Around the stumps, floated up, full and on middle, Carey lunges ahead and pushes it back to Sundar.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, ! 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!

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, Around the stumps now. Full and outside off, Carey strides across and knocks it straight to the cover fielder.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Floated up, full and around off, Smith leans on and works it past backward point for a couple.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, 1 run.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, FIFTY NUMBER 42 FOR STEVEN SMITH IN TEST CRICKET! His 6th at the MCG as well!

Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, Hard length, angling onto the pads, Alex Carey steers it to deep backward square leg for a comfortable single.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Floated up full and on middle, Steven Smith gets on the front foot and heaves it towards mid on.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, A touch full on off and angled in, Alex Carey leans forward to defend.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Very full and on the pads, whipped across through mid-wicket by Smith for a single.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jasprit Bumrah goes 'boom, boom' now and Australia in a bit of a slump.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, Hard length in and around off, patted down by Marsh towards cover.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, Oh, that's a rearing delivery from Bumrah and that could have gone anywhere.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, ! 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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, Flighted delivery, around off, Mitchell Marsh gets a good stride in and makes another block.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, No run.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, No run.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, Keeps it a bit full and around off, Marsh does get forward this time and blocks it off.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, No run.

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.

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 stays low as well. Mitchell Marsh gets squared up but does enough to get a bit of willow on it.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Travis Head, ! b Jasprit Bumrah.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah (15-7-50-1) is back on. He replaces Akash Deep.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Travis Head, No run.

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.

Washington Sundar to Travis Head, No run.

The dangerman, Travis Head walks out to the middle at number 5.

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.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, ! CAUGHT! Wow, would you believe it? A wicket right after the break and Marnus Labuschagne will be kicking himself.

DRINKS! Another hour of play which has been thoroughly dominated by 'Straya' as they further their grip on the proceedings. The stand between Labuschagne and Smith has now added 83 runs and the two have looked nearly unbothered in this final session. 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.

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.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, 1 run.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh, now that's a snorter!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, No run.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, ! That is prime Steven Smith and the runs are really flowing in this final session on Day 1!

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and around off, Labuschagne hops back to defend.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery on leg and this one angles further down, Labuschagne shoulders arms at it.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Just back of a length and angling into the batter, Smith looks to tuck it away but misses out.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Quicker one, looking to angle it into the pads but spills it down leg, Labuschagne leaves it alone.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, On a dragged length over off and middle, Labuschagne presses back to defend.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full on the pads, nudged away with soft hands in front of square leg.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, 1 run.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Pitched-up delivery and in the channel around off, angling in, Steven Smith opts to leave this one alone.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Good length outside off and angling in, Steven Smith gets a big stride across and defends it off.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, 1 run.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Good fielding in the deep from Virat Kohli, saving a run for his side.

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.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Pushed through quick and flat around off, Smith taps it away in front of point.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Four!

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, ! Steven Smith latches onto that one and brings up the 50-run stand.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, On a length and around middle, Steven Smith stays back in the crease and keeps it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter again and into the pads, Labuschagne with a nudge away towards square leg for a single. Good running!

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, 1 run.

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.

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 toom much and missed leg stump. India lose their second review now.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Good length on middle, attacking the pads, Smith gets across and tucks it towards mid-wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, ! 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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, straight as well, Labuschagne leans on to defend.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Darted in full on middle, a bit more round-arm action as well, Smith blocks it off.

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!

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, ! 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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, More than half a shout for LBW but turned down!

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 to operate from the far end now.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Four!

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, On the shorter side again from Jadeja, outside off and Labuschagne taps it off the back foot to covers.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

... 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 wi

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 bounce off the pitch, and also bringing back spin in th

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

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.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Can't get that one through and that will be TEA ON DAY 1!

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, ! Glorious from Labuschagne!

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Top delivery, making excellent using of that angle.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, 1 run.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Possibly the last over before Tea. Jadeja to bowl out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run, that is flicked off the back foot for a run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Fullish length, pushed a bit wide of the off stump line and Labuschagne leaves it alone.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, 1 run.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Floated up on the stumps and Steven Smith just defends it off the front foot.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Flatter one at the stumps, Smith keeps it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, ! 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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, A bit wide of the crease and around off, Steven Smith stays forward and blocks it off.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Ooh, indecisive from Labuschagne!

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Fractionally short and angled into the body, Labuschagne with a short-arm jab but again straight to square leg.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Fuller this time, on off and middle, Steven Smith gets nicely forward and keeps it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Good running!

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit more short and around the pads, Labuschagne presses back and works it towards backward square leg.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter one, on a dragged length at middle and leg, Labuschagne tucks it to the leg side.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, A wicket-maiden to kick off the new spell from Bumrah then!

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 than goes on the bounce and to the right of Virat Kohli at second slip and he makes a sharp stop.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Good length again, a fair bit wide of the off stump line, Smith gets across but shoulders arms.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, ! 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.'

Jasprit Bumrah (11-5-43-0) is back on. He replaces Siraj.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Slightly flighted, a bit fuller as well and around off, eased away into the off side by Labuschagne.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, ! 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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitches the ball up around the fifth stump line, Labuschagne stays watchful and plays it away to covers.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and around off, angling back in a bit, Labuschagne presses back to defend.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Full again and around off but pushed through quicker, Labuschagne strokes it away to the fielder at covers.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Flighted delivery, on middle, Usman Khawaja leans on and blocks it down the line.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Floated up on the pads, easily tucked away down to fine leg for another single by Khawaja.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Pushed through flatter and on off, Labuschagne presses back to defend.

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.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, A bumper now, dug in well short over middle and leg, Usman Khawaja just ducks right under it.

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.

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.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Goes full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it to mid on.

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.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Usman Khawaja, Full again, outside off, Usman Khawaja drives it firmly from the front foot to mid off.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Usman Khawaja, Pitched full and on off, Usman Khawaja drives it with a straight bat but finds mid off in the way.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Length, around off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it with a straight bat. 

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Angling in on middle, on a fuller length, Marnus Labuschagne presents a solid front foot block.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length angling in down the leg side, Labuschagne misses on the flick shot.

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.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Usman Khawaja, Leg bye.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Length, on middle, blocked in front off the back foot.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Nitish Kumar Reddy is introduced into the attack now. He replaces Siraj. Bowls it straight and outside off, on a length, Marnus Labuschagne leaves.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, 2 runs.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, ! Nicely played! Short one from Siraj, attacking the bodyline, Marnus Labuschagne goes for a pull shot but misses. The ball pins on his helmet and deflects before flying over leg slip for a boundary. Given runs from the bat.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitched fuller and on off, Marnus Labuschagne presses ahead and blocks it right under his bat.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Khawaja leaves this length-delivery which angles outside off to end the over.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Outside off, on a length, left alone.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Four!

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, ! Khawaja moves onto 46 with this glorious stroke!

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a good length, just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms.

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.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hard length, outside off, from around the wickets. No interest shown by Khawaja to have a poke at it.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, A bit fuller and on the stumps, Khawaja pushes it back to the bowler.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Straight and full, on off, Usman Khawaja gets behind the line and blocks it out.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Around the wickets. Back of a length, fairly outside off. Left alone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Skids through the surface from a good length, on top of off, Marnus Labuschagne makes a tight leave.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length on off, Marnus defends it out.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Full and outside off, Khawaja lets it pass alone.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, ! Cracked away! Khawaja breaks the sequence of maidens!

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!

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Angling it on middle, on a good length, Marnus Labuschagne prods forward and blocks it to the leg side.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Keeps the angle outside off, on a good length, left alone by Khawaja.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Fuller length and around off. Khawaja defends it back to the bowler.

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 and the ball zips past the outside edge. A real snorter of a delivery that from Akash Deep.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hard length, outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Straight and full, on off, Marnus Labuschagne presses forward and stabs it to the surface.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, angling into the middle and leg stump line, Marnus Labuschagne looks to work it across but misses and gets a blow on the thigh pad.

Jasprit Bumrah to continue from the other end after the break.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, On a length, just around off, Usman Khawaja blocks it off the back foot to short cover.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Pitches it up, full and just around off, Usman Khawaja strides across and drives it straight to cover.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Keeps the line of attack outside off, on a fuller length. Khawaja shoulders arms at it.

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 cricke

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.

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!

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Pitched up, full and on middle, Khawaja clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Bangs it short, outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Bashes the length hard, on off, Usman Khawaja hits it across to mid on.

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.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, A low full toss now, on the off-stump line, Usman Khawaja knocks it straight to mid off.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hits the deck hard, outside off on a length, Usman Khawaja offers no shot at it.

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. 

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, At off, on a fullish length, Usman Khawaja clips it across to square leg.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Outside off, on a fraction fuller length. Left alone by Khawaja.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, ! 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!

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Four!

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Nice and full, quick and on off, Khawaja leans ahead and pushes it to mid off.

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.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and angling on off, Marnus Labuschagne knocks it to mid on.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length, just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne makes a tight leave.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, 1 run.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Length ball, angling on top of off, Usman Khawaja hangs back and punches it to cover-point.

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.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Marnus Labuschagne walks out to bat at number 3.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, ! 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. 

Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, Jadeja drops a length ball, on off, Sam Konstas hangs back and punches it to cover.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Pitched up, full and on off, Usman Khawaja gets forward and knocks it back to the bowler.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hard length, angling on off. Usman Khawaja hops on the back foot and tucks it across to mid-wicket.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, A slider outside off, on a fuller length. Usman Khawaja offers no shot.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Around off, on a fuller length, Usman Khawaja leans on and drives it straight to cover.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, Drops it full does Jadeja, on off, Sam Konstas drives it along the ground to long off for one.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, An appeal for LBW, but the umpire seems uninterested!

Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, 1 run.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Back of a length, skidding through the surface, outside off. Usman Khawaja offers no shot at it.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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...

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Nice and full, on the stumps, Usman Khawaja knocks it in front.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Quick and flat, full and on off, pushed in front by Khawaja.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Four!

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.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Sam Konstas, Angling down leg on a fullish length, Sam Konstas misses on the flick shot.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, IN THE AIR...just lands safe behind KL Rahul at short mid-wicket.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

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!

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...

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. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, ! 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.

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?

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.

Akash Deep to Sam Konstas, Back of a length, at off, Konstas gets forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, 2 runs.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Four!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, ! 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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Whoa, it's heating up there! A shoulder bump between Kohli and Konstas as the over concluded.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, ! 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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, ! 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, ! A touch of elegance from Usman Khawaja there.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Leg bye.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Half a shout for LBW but there seemed to be two noises there.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, This is bowled quite full and around off, just angling across, Khawaja shoulders arms.

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, 1 run.

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.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, ! Sam Konstas is taking down the big gun Jasprit Bumrah in style!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, On a hard length and outside the line of off stump, left alone by Sam Konstas.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, ! UNBELIEVABLE!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, ! Wow, Sam Konstas staying true to his believes and does get away 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, That's a loose shot from Konstas!

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.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, ! 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.

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.

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 e

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Nagging length in and around off, angling away naturally from the left-hander, Khawaja shoulders arms at it.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Oh, hello!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, On a hard length now and just outside off, good carry on that one as Konstas makes a leave.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, First runs of the Boxing Day Test and of Sam Konstas' Test career as well.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, And again!

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Another pearler from Bumrah and Konstas is somehow managing to not get an outside edge on it.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

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 the 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.

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. 

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. Now, the two sets of teams stride out and line up for their respective national anthems. 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 b

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

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.

... 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

Jasprit Bumrah to Nathan Lyon, ! LBW! Another appeal for LBW and once again the finger goes up! Lyon reviews it straightaway but starts to walk away back to the dugout.

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.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Touch full and on the stumps, Scott Boland knocks it to mid on.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Slow and floated fuller on the stumps, Boland leans ahead and defends it straight.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Flat and quick, around off, Boland hangs back and guides it to the point region.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Nice and full, on middle, pushed back to Jadeja.

Mohammed Siraj to Nathan Lyon, ! 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. 

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, On the hard length, slanting in on middle, Boland gets on the back foot and knocks it to point.

Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, Straight and full, on off, Boland prods forward and pushes if firmly back to the bowler.

Mohammed Siraj to Nathan Lyon, Half-tracker angling on off, Lyon nudges it across to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Nathan Lyon, Length ball, on top of off, Nathan Lyon hops on the back foot and eases it onto the pitch.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Attacks the stumps, full and on middle, Boland prods ahead and blocks it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Slow and on the pads, on a length, Boland taps it with soft hands beside the pitch.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Floated full and on middle, swept away to deep square leg for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, ! TRAPPED IN FRONT! A huge appeal for LBW and the umpire Joel Wilson raises his finger instantly! Scott Boland has again gone upstairs and reviewed it.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Scott Boland, Hard length, on off, tapped away to mid on.

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 anyways.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, 2 runs.

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!

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Just a bit outside off, on a length, left alone by Boland.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, No run.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Nice and full, pitched up and around off, Lyon defends it out.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, Good length angling into the leg stump. Boland defends it out.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, 2 runs.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Identical line and length, at the same trajectory as well. Boland is happy to let that pass.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Flat and goes on with the arm, around off, Scott Boland leaves.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Pitched fuller and pushed through on middle, Boland lunges ahead and defends it with a straight bat.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Scott Boland, Full and around off, quicker and flatter, Boland defends it out.

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.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, Nice and full, angling on off, punched firmly back to the bowler by Boland.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, No run.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, No run.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, No run.

Akash Deep to Scott Boland, No run.

Scott Boland is the last man in for Australia.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, ! b Akash Deep.

Akash Deep to operate from the other end.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Full and outside off. It lands, grips and sharply spins away past the outside edge.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, Flat and on a length, at off, block off well by Lyon.

Nathan Lyon is the new batter in.

Ravindra Jadeja to Nathan Lyon, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, ! STRAIGHT THROUGH HIS DEFENCE! Jadeja strikes right after the Lunch break and gets another one. Australia are 8 wickets down now! 

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.

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.

... 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 sess

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.

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!

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Very full, almost a yorker at off, Starc digs it out to mid on.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, A sharp bumper on the bodyline. Mitchell Starc just about ducks under it.

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.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Floated up with a bit of a loop, around off, Starc leaves it.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, 2 runs.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Nice and full, outside off, left alone.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, No run.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Pitched up, full and on middle, Mitchell Starc knocks it back to Bumrah.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Bangs it short and around off, Starc sways away from the line and lets it pass.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, ! 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 and tonks it behind long on for a six.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah is summoned back into the attack now. Comes from around the stumps, on a fuller length, on the stumps. Starc blocks it out to mid on.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Slower through the air, on off and full, Starc strides ahead and defends.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, No run.

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.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Floated up, full and on off, Starc leans ahead and eases it into the off side.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Short and slow on off, punched to mid off.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Four!

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Around the stumps, on a length, on middle, tucked away down to long on for one.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Sprayed down leg. Left alone by Starc.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, Full on off, Mitchell Starc drives it inside-out to deep cover for a single.

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.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, No run.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Starc, No run.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Flat and on a length, on the pads, Steven Smith nudges it to deep square leg for a single.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, ! 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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, ! 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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Flat and floated up, full and around off, Smith looks to paddle it away but misses.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Full again, on middle, Starc leans on and pushes it back to Jadeja.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Nice and full on middle, turned away to square leg by Starc.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Angling down leg on a length, Steven Smith misses to glance off the hips.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Nagging length, on off, Smith gets on the back foot and punches it onto the surface.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Mitchell Starc, A tad bit full in length, on off, Starc drills it to wide of mid off for a single.

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.

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 a shortish length. Smith swings and misses.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Length, just outside off, Steven Smith eases the cut to deep backward point for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Starc now tucks this short ball to short leg. A wicket-maiden over from Jadeja!

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Mitchell Starc, Short in length, on the middle and leg, tapped away to mid-wicket.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, ! c Nitish Kumar Reddy b Ravindra Jadeja.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, ! 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.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Six!

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Australia bring up their 400 now!

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, The 100-run stand is up between these two now!

Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, Tad full and outside off, punched away to backward point.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Pat Cummins, Slow and short, on off, cut away pretty late by Cummins, past the backward point fielder for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Short and on off, cut away to deep point by Smith for one.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, ! These runs from Cummins will sting India, a lot! A good effort by Jaiswal, but could have done much better!

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Leg bye.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, ! 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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, ! 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!

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, The scoreboard keeps ticking for 'Straya'! Smith moves to 99 now!

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.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Angling on the pads again, on a length, Smith steers it towards deep square leg for a single.

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 sixth-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

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Another appeal for LBW but this way more stifled and comfortably missing leg as well.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Risky single but well-judged in the end!

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Ooh, more than a half an appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, No run.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, No run.

Change.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, ! Steven Smith moves into the 90s in style!

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.

Whoa, what happened there?

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, On a good length and in the channel, nipping away with some extra bounce, Smith leaves it alone.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, ! A third boundary in the over and 15 runs come off it!

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, ! 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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, 2 runs.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, ! 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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, No run.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, ! 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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Leg bye.

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.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Beaten again!

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, ! 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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Banged into the pitch, short and wide, and going further away, left alone by Smith.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, ! 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.

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.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Just a smidge fuller and on the fifth stump line, swinging away nicely, and Steven Smith leaves it alone.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, 1 run.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

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.

Not Bumrah, but it will be Akash Deep to operate from the far end.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Sloppy work in the field by Washington Sundar and this is a quick start for Australia.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, ! 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.

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! The umpires are in position and the Indian players have started to take their places on the field as well. 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 th

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 Labusc

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

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 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. Cheer

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 hi

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 82,000 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.

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!

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, 2 runs.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Angles it on the middle and leg stump, on a length. Pat Cummins tucks it across to mid-wicket.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, Short of a good length, just outside off, Cummins leaves it alone.

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, 1 run.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, EDGED AND ! 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 boundary through the right of the third slip.

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.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Pitched outside off, on a shorter length, Steven Smith offers no shot at it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, An inswinger on a shortish length, angling on middle, Steven Smith fends it to point.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, No run.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, ! c Rishabh Pant b Akash Deep.

Who comes in next?

Akash Deep comes back in to share the second new ball with Jasprit Bumrah.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, No run.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Nagging length, on the fourth stump, Smith taps it into the off side with soft hands.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Angling outside off, on a good length, Steven Smith leaves it alone.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Short again, on off, Steven Smith gets on the back foot and blocks it with a straight bat.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, No run.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Much fuller this time, on middle and leg, Smith gets ahead and works it to the leg side.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Drags the length back, on middle, Smith swats it to square leg.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Nice and full, pitching outside leg, Steven Smith turns it to short leg.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Too full, on off, Smith leans ahead and pushes it back to Sundar.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Length, on the fifth stump line, Steven Smith presses forward and knocks it to cover.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, No run.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, No run.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Floats it full and wide of off, spinning away sharply. Carey leaves.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Alex Carey, Slightly full and across off, Carey prods ahead and drives it past covers for a single.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Nagging length, outside off again, Steven Smith watches the ball closely and lets it be.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Steven Smith, Hard length, outside off, Smith covers the stumps and leaves it alone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Looped up, full and on middle, Steven Smith leans on and defends it back to the bowler.

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.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, 1 run.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, No run.

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

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Floats it outside off, on a length, left alone by Carey.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Good length, angling into the body. Smith gets across and tucks it to short mid-wicket with soft hands.

Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, 1 run.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Short of a good length, onto the pads, Steven Smith hangs back and tucks it across to mid-wicket.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Dropped full and on the stumps, clipped away to mid-wicket by Smith.

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.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, ! 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.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Flat and on middle and leg, Alex Carey rocks back and stabs it to short mid-wicket.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, Around the stumps, floated up, full and on middle, Carey lunges ahead and pushes it back to Sundar.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, ! 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!

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, Around the stumps now. Full and outside off, Carey strides across and knocks it straight to the cover fielder.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Floated up, full and around off, Smith leans on and works it past backward point for a couple.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, 1 run.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, FIFTY NUMBER 42 FOR STEVEN SMITH IN TEST CRICKET! His 6th at the MCG as well!

Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, Hard length, angling onto the pads, Alex Carey steers it to deep backward square leg for a comfortable single.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Floated up full and on middle, Steven Smith gets on the front foot and heaves it towards mid on.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Alex Carey, A touch full on off and angled in, Alex Carey leans forward to defend.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, Very full and on the pads, whipped across through mid-wicket by Smith for a single.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jasprit Bumrah goes 'boom, boom' now and Australia in a bit of a slump.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, Hard length in and around off, patted down by Marsh towards cover.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, Oh, that's a rearing delivery from Bumrah and that could have gone anywhere.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, ! 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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, Flighted delivery, around off, Mitchell Marsh gets a good stride in and makes another block.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, No run.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, No run.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, Keeps it a bit full and around off, Marsh does get forward this time and blocks it off.

Washington Sundar to Mitchell Marsh, No run.

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.

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 stays low as well. Mitchell Marsh gets squared up but does enough to get a bit of willow on it.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Travis Head, ! b Jasprit Bumrah.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah (15-7-50-1) is back on. He replaces Akash Deep.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Travis Head, No run.

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.

Washington Sundar to Travis Head, No run.

The dangerman, Travis Head walks out to the middle at number 5.

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.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, ! CAUGHT! Wow, would you believe it? A wicket right after the break and Marnus Labuschagne will be kicking himself.

DRINKS! Another hour of play which has been thoroughly dominated by 'Straya' as they further their grip on the proceedings. The stand between Labuschagne and Smith has now added 83 runs and the two have looked nearly unbothered in this final session. 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.

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.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, 1 run.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh, now that's a snorter!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, No run.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, ! That is prime Steven Smith and the runs are really flowing in this final session on Day 1!

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and around off, Labuschagne hops back to defend.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Good-length delivery on leg and this one angles further down, Labuschagne shoulders arms at it.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Just back of a length and angling into the batter, Smith looks to tuck it away but misses out.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Quicker one, looking to angle it into the pads but spills it down leg, Labuschagne leaves it alone.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, On a dragged length over off and middle, Labuschagne presses back to defend.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full on the pads, nudged away with soft hands in front of square leg.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, 1 run.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Pitched-up delivery and in the channel around off, angling in, Steven Smith opts to leave this one alone.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Good length outside off and angling in, Steven Smith gets a big stride across and defends it off.

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.

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.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, 1 run.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Good fielding in the deep from Virat Kohli, saving a run for his side.

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.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Pushed through quick and flat around off, Smith taps it away in front of point.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Four!

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, ! Steven Smith latches onto that one and brings up the 50-run stand.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, On a length and around middle, Steven Smith stays back in the crease and keeps it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter again and into the pads, Labuschagne with a nudge away towards square leg for a single. Good running!

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, 1 run.

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.

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 toom much and missed leg stump. India lose their second review now.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, Good length on middle, attacking the pads, Smith gets across and tucks it towards mid-wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, ! 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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, straight as well, Labuschagne leans on to defend.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Darted in full on middle, a bit more round-arm action as well, Smith blocks it off.

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!

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, ! 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.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, More than half a shout for LBW but turned down!

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 to operate from the far end now.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Four!

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, On the shorter side again from Jadeja, outside off and Labuschagne taps it off the back foot to covers.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

... 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 wi

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 bounce off the pitch, and also bringing back spin in th

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

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.

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Can't get that one through and that will be TEA ON DAY 1!

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, ! Glorious from Labuschagne!

Washington Sundar to Marnus Labuschagne, Top delivery, making excellent using of that angle.

Washington Sundar to Steven Smith, 1 run.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run.

Possibly the last over before Tea. Jadeja to bowl out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, 1 run, that is flicked off the back foot for a run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Fullish length, pushed a bit wide of the off stump line and Labuschagne leaves it alone.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, 1 run.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Floated up on the stumps and Steven Smith just defends it off the front foot.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Flatter one at the stumps, Smith keeps it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, ! 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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, A bit wide of the crease and around off, Steven Smith stays forward and blocks it off.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Ooh, indecisive from Labuschagne!

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Fractionally short and angled into the body, Labuschagne with a short-arm jab but again straight to square leg.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, Fuller this time, on off and middle, Steven Smith gets nicely forward and keeps it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steven Smith, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Good running!

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit more short and around the pads, Labuschagne presses back and works it towards backward square leg.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter one, on a dragged length at middle and leg, Labuschagne tucks it to the leg side.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, A wicket-maiden to kick off the new spell from Bumrah then!

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 than goes on the bounce and to the right of Virat Kohli at second slip and he makes a sharp stop.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, Good length again, a fair bit wide of the off stump line, Smith gets across but shoulders arms.

Jasprit Bumrah to Steven Smith, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, ! 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.'

Jasprit Bumrah (11-5-43-0) is back on. He replaces Siraj.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Slightly flighted, a bit fuller as well and around off, eased away into the off side by Labuschagne.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, ! 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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitches the ball up around the fifth stump line, Labuschagne stays watchful and plays it away to covers.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and around off, angling back in a bit, Labuschagne presses back to defend.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Full again and around off but pushed through quicker, Labuschagne strokes it away to the fielder at covers.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Flighted delivery, on middle, Usman Khawaja leans on and blocks it down the line.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Floated up on the pads, easily tucked away down to fine leg for another single by Khawaja.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Pushed through flatter and on off, Labuschagne presses back to defend.

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.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, A bumper now, dug in well short over middle and leg, Usman Khawaja just ducks right under it.

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.

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.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Goes full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it to mid on.

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.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Usman Khawaja, Full again, outside off, Usman Khawaja drives it firmly from the front foot to mid off.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Usman Khawaja, Pitched full and on off, Usman Khawaja drives it with a straight bat but finds mid off in the way.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Length, around off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it with a straight bat. 

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Angling in on middle, on a fuller length, Marnus Labuschagne presents a solid front foot block.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length angling in down the leg side, Labuschagne misses on the flick shot.

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.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Usman Khawaja, Leg bye.

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.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Length, on middle, blocked in front off the back foot.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to Marnus Labuschagne, Nitish Kumar Reddy is introduced into the attack now. He replaces Siraj. Bowls it straight and outside off, on a length, Marnus Labuschagne leaves.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, 2 runs.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, ! Nicely played! Short one from Siraj, attacking the bodyline, Marnus Labuschagne goes for a pull shot but misses. The ball pins on his helmet and deflects before flying over leg slip for a boundary. Given runs from the bat.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitched fuller and on off, Marnus Labuschagne presses ahead and blocks it right under his bat.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Khawaja leaves this length-delivery which angles outside off to end the over.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Outside off, on a length, left alone.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Four!

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, ! Khawaja moves onto 46 with this glorious stroke!

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a good length, just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms.

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.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hard length, outside off, from around the wickets. No interest shown by Khawaja to have a poke at it.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, A bit fuller and on the stumps, Khawaja pushes it back to the bowler.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Straight and full, on off, Usman Khawaja gets behind the line and blocks it out.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Around the wickets. Back of a length, fairly outside off. Left alone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Skids through the surface from a good length, on top of off, Marnus Labuschagne makes a tight leave.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length on off, Marnus defends it out.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Full and outside off, Khawaja lets it pass alone.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, ! Cracked away! Khawaja breaks the sequence of maidens!

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!

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Angling it on middle, on a good length, Marnus Labuschagne prods forward and blocks it to the leg side.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Keeps the angle outside off, on a good length, left alone by Khawaja.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Fuller length and around off. Khawaja defends it back to the bowler.

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 and the ball zips past the outside edge. A real snorter of a delivery that from Akash Deep.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hard length, outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Straight and full, on off, Marnus Labuschagne presses forward and stabs it to the surface.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, angling into the middle and leg stump line, Marnus Labuschagne looks to work it across but misses and gets a blow on the thigh pad.

Jasprit Bumrah to continue from the other end after the break.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, On a length, just around off, Usman Khawaja blocks it off the back foot to short cover.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Pitches it up, full and just around off, Usman Khawaja strides across and drives it straight to cover.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Keeps the line of attack outside off, on a fuller length. Khawaja shoulders arms at it.

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 cricke

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.

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!

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Pitched up, full and on middle, Khawaja clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Bangs it short, outside off, Khawaja leaves it alone.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Bashes the length hard, on off, Usman Khawaja hits it across to mid on.

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.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, A low full toss now, on the off-stump line, Usman Khawaja knocks it straight to mid off.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hits the deck hard, outside off on a length, Usman Khawaja offers no shot at it.

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. 

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, At off, on a fullish length, Usman Khawaja clips it across to square leg.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, Outside off, on a fraction fuller length. Left alone by Khawaja.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, ! 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!

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Four!

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Nice and full, quick and on off, Khawaja leans ahead and pushes it to mid off.

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.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and angling on off, Marnus Labuschagne knocks it to mid on.

Akash Deep to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length, just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne makes a tight leave.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, 1 run.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Length ball, angling on top of off, Usman Khawaja hangs back and punches it to cover-point.

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.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, No run.

Marnus Labuschagne walks out to bat at number 3.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, ! 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. 

Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, Jadeja drops a length ball, on off, Sam Konstas hangs back and punches it to cover.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Pitched up, full and on off, Usman Khawaja gets forward and knocks it back to the bowler.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Hard length, angling on off. Usman Khawaja hops on the back foot and tucks it across to mid-wicket.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, A slider outside off, on a fuller length. Usman Khawaja offers no shot.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Around off, on a fuller length, Usman Khawaja leans on and drives it straight to cover.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, Drops it full does Jadeja, on off, Sam Konstas drives it along the ground to long off for one.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, 1 run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, An appeal for LBW, but the umpire seems uninterested!

Ravindra Jadeja to Sam Konstas, 1 run.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, Back of a length, skidding through the surface, outside off. Usman Khawaja offers no shot at it.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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...

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

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.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Nice and full, on the stumps, Usman Khawaja knocks it in front.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Quick and flat, full and on off, pushed in front by Khawaja.

Ravindra Jadeja to Usman Khawaja, Four!

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.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Sam Konstas, Angling down leg on a fullish length, Sam Konstas misses on the flick shot.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, IN THE AIR...just lands safe behind KL Rahul at short mid-wicket.

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.

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.

Akash Deep to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

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!

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...

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. 

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, ! 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.

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?

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.

Akash Deep to Sam Konstas, Back of a length, at off, Konstas gets forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, 2 runs.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Four!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, ! 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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Whoa, it's heating up there! A shoulder bump between Kohli and Konstas as the over concluded.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, ! 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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, ! 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, ! A touch of elegance from Usman Khawaja there.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Leg bye.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Half a shout for LBW but there seemed to be two noises there.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, This is bowled quite full and around off, just angling across, Khawaja shoulders arms.

Mohammed Siraj to Sam Konstas, 1 run.

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.

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, ! Sam Konstas is taking down the big gun Jasprit Bumrah in style!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, On a hard length and outside the line of off stump, left alone by Sam Konstas.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, ! UNBELIEVABLE!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, ! Wow, Sam Konstas staying true to his believes and does get away 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, That's a loose shot from Konstas!

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.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, ! 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.

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.

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 e

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, Nagging length in and around off, angling away naturally from the left-hander, Khawaja shoulders arms at it.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Oh, hello!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, On a hard length now and just outside off, good carry on that one as Konstas makes a leave.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, First runs of the Boxing Day Test and of Sam Konstas' Test career as well.

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.

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.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, And again!

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Usman Khawaja, No run.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, Another pearler from Bumrah and Konstas is somehow managing to not get an outside edge on it.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sam Konstas, No run.

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 the 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.

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. 

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. Now, the two sets of teams stride out and line up for their respective national anthems. 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 b

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

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.