Australia vs India Second Test: Check LIVE score, ball-by-ball commentary here

India's Ravichandran Ashwin bowls to Australia's Marnus Labuschagne during play on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, 2020. (Image: AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

India is taking on hosts Australia in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which started on December 26. The contest is an opportunity for the hosts to secure an unassailable lead over the visitors in the four-match Border-Gavaskar series. The annual 'Boxing Day Test' at MCG normally draws a crowd of up to 80,000. But only 30,000 people are being allowed this time amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

AUS vs IND 2nd Test Preview: Australia look for unassailable lead against Rahane-led India

India lost the first Test by eight wickets after getting bowled out for just 36 in the second innings. Virat Kohli has returned to India for the birth of his child and Ajinkya Rahane has taken over the captaincy.

On Day 1, Australia were bowled out for 195 after Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin picked up four and three wickets, respectively. India ended the first day on 36/1 at stumps. With Rahane scoring a century, India batted through the second day. The visitors ended the day at 277/5.

However, the side was bowled out for 326 in the first session on Day 3, with a lead of 131. Any chances of a fight back from the hosts was blocked by the Indian bowling attack. Ravindra Jadeja bagged two wickets. Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Siraj and Ashwin picked a wicket each. The Aussies ended Day 3 at 133/6 with a lead or two runs.

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