Melbourne Test: Australia 530, India 108/1

Led by skipper Steven Smith, the Australian tail frustrated Team India yet again to take the score to 530 from 216/5 at one stage in Melbourne Test. Smith narrowly missed out on a double hundred, as he was out for 192. He was well assisted by Haddin (55), Johnson (28) and Harris (74) this morning. Rogers (57), Watson (52) and Shaun Marsh (32) were the other contributors. It was Smith’s third consecutive hundred in this series.

For India, Shami took four wickets, while Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin took three wickets each. Indian openers responded well by putting up 55 runs for the first wicket. Dhawan played a loose shot to depart on 28. Vijay (55) and Pujara (25) took the score to 108/1 at stumps on Day 2 of the Melbourne Test.

India are trailing 2-0 in the four-match Test series. The first two hours of Day 3 at MCG will be very crucial for both teams. It will determine the course of the game and will bring more clarity whether India can fight back or Australia will make it 3-0 with one more Test to go.