AUS vs IND: 2nd Test – Ton-up Rahane leads India’s fightback on Day 2

The second day of the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia belonged to the visitors completely. When the play started, it was hanging in balance with Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara in the middle. The duo blunted the new ball in the first hour before getting out. But it was stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane who stole the limelight with his grit and determination.

Rahane’s unbeaten knock along with Ravindra Jadeja’s resolve helped India take a decent lead by the end of day’s play. The tourists ended the day at 277/5 with a crucial 82-run lead in the first innings. They will hope to extend it further on the third day.

Here are the talking points of the day:

1. A captain’s knock

Rahane gets his ton! He has really stepped up. Very impressive. This Jaddu/Rahane partnership is giving Australia something to worry about. What a match thus far! ???? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/WYxRWyNyzO

— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) December 27, 2020

Captain Ajinkya Rahane came out to bat at 64/3. India had lost a couple of quick wickets and Australia were bowling so well that they would’ve run riot. But Rahane stood tall to stitch half-century partnerships, first with Hanuma Vihari and then Rishabh Pant. He first rebuilt the Indian innings and made sure there was no collapse before opening up more in the second and third sessions. A brilliant back-foot cut shot helped him get to the magical three-figure mark. Rahane remained unbeaten on 104 at stumps and will be keen on scoring more runs for the team.

2. Butterfingers Australia

The hosts bowled extremely well but they fielded poorly and the Indian batsmen made them pay. Skipper Tim Paine was the culprit to drop Shubman Gill early in the day who went on to add 17 more runs to his overnight score. After the new ball arrived, Ajinkya Rahane edged one to the second slip but Steve Smith dropped a straight-forward chance this time.

Mitchell Starc delivered a well-directed bouncer at Rahane late in the day, which the batsman played awkwardly. The ball lobbed in the air only for Travis Head to drop this time. It also turned out to be the last ball of the day.

3. Rahane-Jadeja partnership

The first ? partnership of the series arrives, brought up by Rahane and Jadeja #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bhk8OHXvjQ

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 27, 2020

India were in trouble multiple times. First at 64/3, then at 116/4 and then at 173/5. They had to take a decent amount of lead as they were batting last and Ravindra Jadeja stood up to the occasion. He joined forces with the skipper and the duo frustrated the opposition. Both batsmen didn’t take many risks but made sure to punish poor deliveries. The unbeaten 104-run stand put India ahead at the end of Day 2.