Boundary to end the day's play. Full ball straying on the pads, Jadeja flicks it nicely through backward square leg. However, it's advantage Australia. India slump to 164/5, still trailing by 310 runs. Big day at G tomorrow. 

Thanks for tuning in! We will be back with Day 3 coverage tomorrow morning.

Boland strikes again! India in a spot of bother now. Brilliant field placement from Cummins. Lyon takes a good catch at short fine leg. India are suddenly 5 down. The tail-ender departs

IND: 159/5

Now it's upto Rishabh Pant and Akash Deep to see out the session. Not long to go before stumps. Can't get any bad for India.

IND: 158/4 (43.3)

Edged and gone! Two wickets in quick succession for the hosts as Boland gets Kohli for the third time this series. India have been rocked after that run out. Kohli gone for 36

IND: 155/4

Terrible mix-up and the partnership is broken! That was always going to be a risky single and Kohli was not keen on it. Jaiswal not happy with his senior. He goes back on 82

IND: 153/3 (41)

Boland is back into the attack! 12 overs of play left today

Bit of luck for Jaiswal! He looks to play this towards mid-off but gets a thick outside edge that runs away between slip and gully. Easy pickings

IND: 138/2 (37.1)

Kohli brings out the pull and finds the gap! That was short from Cummins and Kohli flicked it off the hips and place it over square leg for a boundary

IND: 134/2 (36.4)

Kohli has been targetted by the Australian media ever since he landed in Melbourne. It feels like he has started to win over fans here at the G with his strokeplay. Every time he middles a ball, there has been different buzz in the stadium

IND: 126/2 (35)

A rare bad ball from Cummins as he fires it too short. No chance for Carey as ball sails over his head for 5 extra runs. 

IND: 118/2 (32.1) 

Cummins has bowled really well today! He is the man for the big occasions. Scored a crucial 49 earlier today and has two scalps to his name already. Has troubled both Kohli and Jaiswal. Another fine over from the Aussie skipper

IND: 111/2 (31)

Jaiswal gets to his 50 in style! Fine knock from the young man. This partnership is also blossoming with India 2 short of a century.

IND: 98/2

Kohli and Lyon have had some interesting battles in the past. Here's how they have fared up against each other.

BALLS: 1089

RUNS: 565

OUTS: 7

SR: 51.88

4s/6s: 49/3

Flicked fine! That's not the right length to bowl at Kohli. He is so good in that region. Promising sings from Kohli. Kohli has managed to target that fine leg region against anything short and wide. 

IND: 86/2 (26.1)

Jaiswal seems to be doing just ok! He copped a blow on the side of his helmet. The physios had a quick check. Meanwhile, Konstas is having fun with the crowd near the boundary

IND: 82/2 (26)

Gazza is into the attack for the first time! We have already seen that there has been decent help for the spinners on this deck. Jadeja got some help in the middle in the morning

Not taking any risks against Starc! Kohli has left almost everything, while Jaiswal has chosen to feel the ball by defending it. However, Kohli manages to find a boundary on the final ball of his over.

IND: 82/2 (25)

Starc is into the attack for the first time after Tea! Kohli will face him. Meanwhile, Boland has just signed someone's head.

While all the focus is on Kohli, Jaiswal is nearing his 50. Picks another boundary off Boland. Punched back past mid-on and timed perfectly

IND: 75/2 (21.1)

And Kohli brings out the drive! Excellent shape and timing from the main man. Cummins sort of teased him and Kohli obliged in style

IND: 69/2 (20.3)

Amid criticism, Langer describes Kohli as the best player he has ever seen. The former Australia head coach has earned himself a few admirers in India.

Cummins fires it short, but Jaiswal manages to find the boundary. Pulled strongly through midwicket, rolled the wrists very nicely. 

IND: 64/2 (19)

Cummins is sticking to the plan but Kohli has left almost everything so far. Shares a laugh with the Australian skipper. Ideal approach from Kohli

IND: 59/2 (18.5)

Solid defence from Kohli! He ends Boland's over with a single to keep strike. Boland targetting that 4th-5th stump channel. It's going to be a great battle between these two

IND: 59/2 (18)

What a shot from Jaiswal! Short at the body, leans back and ramps it over the keeper and slip cordon for a boundary. Good execution

IND: 56/2 (16.4)

Kohli gets off the mark amid loud cheers! Cummins fired it short and wide of leg. Kohli just flicked it off the hip to long leg. 

IND: 52/2

We are back as the play restarts after Tea! Virat Kohli getting booed as he walked out from the dressing room. 

Big final session coming up for India! It's going to be a Test for Kohli and the ones after him. Can Kohli shoulder the responsibility?

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar wasn't too pleased with the team selection from Rohit and Gambhir.

A sad end for India right as the rebuild process was going on. KL Rahul had played some beautiful strokes, but Cummins hit timber and Australia will be heading into the break with smiles on their faces now.

Stay tuned to NDTV Sports, as we bring out action post-Tea, when Virat Kohli will join Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease.

Massive wicket! KL Rahul is knocked over by Pat Cummins right on the stroke of Tea! Just as he was looking comfortable and getting ready for a big one, the Australian captain strikes. Big, big blow for India.

KL Rahul - OUT - b Cummins - 24 (42)

IND 51/2 (15)

Rahul plays it towards deep square leg, India pick up 2 runs. Brings up 50 for the team, and the first sign of a good rebuilding done by Rahul and Jaiswal.

IND 50/1 (13.1)

A rare quiet over, as Jaiswal plays out Cummins. We are not far away from Tea, and Jaiswal and Rahul would be hoping to stay put at the crease till Tea.

IND 48/1 (13)

Just phenomenal. Home hero Scott Boland steams in, and Jaiswal drives him off to the covers with precise timing. Superb from the southpaw, who is into the 20s now. Doesn't go for 4 though, the batters run 3.

IND 45/1 (11.1)

KL Rahul oozing class here. Superb cover drive, shot of a man in form. India nearing 50 now.

IND 39/1 (10.2)

After the early jolt, Jaiswal and Rahul have done well to stabilise the ship. Some wonderful shots in there. Batting conditions are excellent at the MCG, and these two must take advantage to keep India in the game.

IND 35/1 (10)

After Rohit Sharma's dismissal, Jaiswal and Rahul have looked really good. Some excellent drives, and they're steadily taking India forward.

IND 35/1 (9)

Full once again, the pitch isn't helping, and KL Rahul cashes in. Wonderful drive, notches up the second boundary of the over. Cummins under the pump a little here.

IND 34/1 (8)

Excellent shot. Little bit fuller, perfect spot for Jaiswal to time it to the onside. Nice sound off the bat, second boundary for Jaiswal.

IND 29/1 (7.1)

KL Rahul is getting into rhythm here. First a boundary off the first ball of the over, and then a beautiful cover drive that gets India 3 runs.

IND 23/1 (6)

KL Rahul trapped on the pads, inviting a big appeal from Pat Cummins! Umpire shakes his head, and the Aussies decide not go for a review in the end. 

IND 14/1 (4)

Pitched in short by Cummins and an upper cut from Jaiswal to pick up his first boundary and India's first of the innings.

IND 13/1 (3.3)

These are good batting conditions in Melbourne, but Rohit Sharma has squandered the opportunity once again. KL Rahul enters in at No. 3. If Jaiswal and Rahul can survive the new ball, they'll be able to cash in later.

Disaster for Team India, disastrous return to the top of the order for Rohit Sharma. Fails to judge the bounce, top edge and a simple catch to Scott Boland at mid-on. 

Rohit Sharma - OUT - c Boland b Cummins - 3 (5)

IND 8/1 (2)

Excellent control on the straight drive, first runs off the bat for Rohit Sharma back at the top of the order. The batters run three.

IND 7/0 (1.3)

Pat Cummins has taken the new ball from the other end. The two veteran legendary Australian seamers straight into action!

IND 3/0 (1.1)

Starc is starting with some absolute rippers, and young Jaiswal must be cautious. Apart from that ton in Perth, Jaiswal has looked out of sorts so far in the series.

IND 3/0 (1)

Starc to Jaiswal to get us underway for the Indian innings! Trail by 474, Rohit Sharma is at the other end.

IND 1/0 (0.2)

And a confirmation! Rohit Sharma will be opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. KL Rahul has been demoted to No. 3, a decision that has been critiqued by many, with former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar stating that it's not a change worth making no matter how many runs Rohit makes.

Right, here's the big question now. Who opens for India? Rohit Sharma has been listed at No. 3 in the teamsheet, but has hinted throughout that he will open. So will KL Rahul drop to 3? Big call to be taken by the management here.

LBW! Australia are all out! Nathan Lyon walked off even though he took a review, and almost everyone walked off, but it was close. Umpire's call, but it does stick. Jasprit Bumrah gets his fourth wicket.

Nathan Lyon - OUT - lbw Bumrah - 13 (18)

Australia 474 ALL OUT (122.4 overs)

Jasprit Bumrah is back into the attack. Can he knock over the tail at last?

Well, not if Nathan Lyon can help it. Flicks it away for a couple of runs second ball. Third ball, digs out a yorker and defends brilliantly.

AUS 474/9 (122.2)

Scott Boland with a composed defence once again, plays out Jadeja. Australia's tail sticking it out.

AUS 472/9 (122)

Driven down the ground by Nathan Lyon, and a boundary to end Siraj's over. 0/122 in 23 overs at an economy of 5.30 for Siraj in this Test. Sorry figures.

AUS 472/9 (121)

Scott Boland looks assured in his defence, and Jadeja has no way past. Australia complete 120 overs, and the tailenders have done a fine job right after Smith and Starc's dismissals.

AUS 466/9 (120)

Hesitant but long appeal by Siraj in the end, as he traps Scott Boland again. And Boland reviews again! What will it be this time? And it's WICKETS MISSING. Scott Boland has nine lives today.

AUS 465/9 (118.5)

It was a tiring and hapless session for Mohammed Siraj in the morning, but he's back now to bring in some more pace against the tail. Can he wrap it up for India here?

That's a wrap! Australia are all out. Scott Boland has reviewed it straight away though! And guess what, massive spike, and it is not out. Too early celebrations there from Team India.

AUS 464/9 (118)

Jadeja will be hoping to get that extra little bit of turn and castle one of these batters just like he castled Mitch Starc. Australian tailenders are doing a decent job here to take the total forward.

AUS 462/9 (117.2)

Not the best over from Akash Deep, as Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland pick up 5 runs in the over.

AUS 461/9 (117)

This has gone perfectly for Team India post-Lunch. Seems like the break has done no good to Australia, and may have just tinkered their confidence a little bit. Two wickets in two overs, and we're down to No. 10 and 11 now.

AUS 455/9 (115)

Oh dear, what's happened there!? Steve Smith comes down the track, the ball takes an inside, ricochets off his pads and slowly trickles over and knocks a bail off! End of a stunning knock by Steve Smith, but he misses out on a 150. Just one more wicket for India.

Steve Smith - OUT - b Akash Deep - 140 (197)

AUS 455/9 (114.1)

That's the start India were looking for! Mitchell Starc completely misses it and gets clean bowled by Jadeja! Massive early wicket for India right after Lunch! Third wicket for Jadeja.

Mitchell Starc - OUT - b Jadeja - 15 (36)

AUS 455/8 (113.3)

The players are back on the ground. Australia eye 500+, India need those three wickets desperately. Getting us underway - Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith.

AUS 454/7 (113 overs)

Steve Smith's incredible MCG record:

Innings: 19

Runs: 1232

Average: 88

Centuries: 5

Seems likely that Jasprit Bumrah will definitely continue things from one end post-Lunch, but will Akash Deep or Mohammed Siraj be handed the red cherry? Both looked off their best in the first session. With some turn on offer, Ravindra Jadeja may get the nod from the other end once play resumes.

Austalia look in cruise control at 454/7, and Smith and Starc are easily capable of adding a lot more runs. A minimum of 500 must be in their thoughts before even contemplating declaration, but could we see them bat out another entire session?

India will be terribly disappointed with how the first session has played out. Only 1 wicket in 27 overs, and they've allowed the Australian lower middle-order to settle in without much trouble. Australia look good to get 500 and beyond, but India need some wickets to try and wrestle it below that number.

Otherwise, the game may be as good as gone even before India bat.

"Australia all the way. India ran out of ideas, absolutely no doubt about that. The bowling was pretty ordinary. They ran out of ideas. Took way too long to get spin into the attack," says former India head coach Ravi Shastri on air.

A huge spotlight continues on Rohit Sharma's leadership, with India again looking clueless when it comes to taking wickets.

That'll be LUNCH on Day 1. Utter domination from Australia. 143 runs added in 27 overs, Steve Smith notching up his 34th Test hundred and inching closer to 10,000 Test runs. Pat Cummins fell just short of a fifty, but Mitch Starc has been on form with the bat too. India's bowling has been wayward and the captaincy and fielding seemingly not up to par either. How long till Australia declare?

AUS 454/7 (113) - LUNCH

Jasprit Bumrah is getting little to no help from the MCG pitch, and Mitch Starc looks comfortable in his strokeplay. Be it full or short, Starc is up to it with ease.

AUS 454/7 (112.5)

The dominance continues in the morning session. 140 runs added now, in just 26 overs. What a fabulous two hours it has been for Australia.

AUS 451/7 (112)

Steve Smith is just 54 runs away from 10,000 Test runs. 9,946 now. Can he get it in this innings? At what point do Australia consider declaring?

AUS 449/7 (111.2)

Jasprit Bumrah? No problem, says Mitch Starc. Sensational shot, clean hit, over long on for 6. WOW. Some response from the Aussie pacer.

AUS 446/7 (110.2)

Jasprit Bumrah is coming back just before lunch to try and get India a breakthrough. Mitchell Starc on strike.

That's 24 overs complete on Day 2. Total of 110 overs. Australia in total control. There seems to be no end to their dominance at this point, and India look no closer to a wicket. Smith is in complete command of things, and the only way India may get a wicket is seemingly if Australia gift it to them.

AUS 440/7 (110)

Steve Smith is showing no signs of slowing down yet. Up to 133 not out, he's picking up a boundary almost every over. 

AUS 439/7 (109)

Mark Nicholas, Justin Langer and MSK Prasad in vehement disagreement on air regarding the team picked by India. The idea of two spinners hasn't gone down well, and the results so far in the game back that up as well.

AUS 432/7 (108)

Another spectacular shot by Steve Smith. He looks completely in control at this stage. Picks up a ball wide outside the off-stump and slogs it towards mid-wicket for 4.

AUS 426/7 (107)

Ravindra Jadeja is getting some turn on the pitch, but Rohit Sharma hasn't quite yet brought Washington Sundar into the attack. Perhaps it's time for spin from both ends? Siraj continues for now, and delivers another wayward bouncer that goes for 4 byes.

AUS 420/7 (106)

Australia are not holding back any further, and are definitely pressing the accelerator. They will look to get to 500 as quick as possible, and Steve Smith and co. are taking the risks with their strokeplay. This will also be a chance for India to get some wickets.

AUS 411/7 (105)

Pat Cummins looks to go big to get his 50 but holds out to Nitish Reddy! A great catch by the youngster, who dives to his left. Much-needed breakthrough for Team India! Can this give them the bite to bowl Australia out quicker?

AUS 411/7 (104.1)

For only the third time in his entire Test career, Steve Smith has hit 3 or more sixes in an innings. A stat that truly defines how big a struggle it has been for Team India, especially this morning.

AUS 411/6 (104)

Short, pulled away towards fine leg for his third six! Next ball, down the track and driven through the covers majestically! Steve Smith is finding his inner T20 game back here this morning. Mohammed Siraj looks completely clueless.

AUS 411/6 (104)

The Indian fanfare is massive no matter what part of the world the game is being played, but the fans at the MCG are chanting "Kohli, Kohli" now!

What a morning session this has been for the Baggy Greens! 400 up and it looks nowhere near done yet!

AUS 400/6 (103.1)

Ravindra Jadeja is back into the attack. He's getting a little bit of turn on the pitch, but Australia are still finding it easy to score runs. 100-run partnership between Smith and Cummins.

AUS 399/6 (103)

No stop of run flow here. Pat Cummins is dealing in boundaries and timing the hapless Siraj away. 7th four for him. And right after that, Siraj goes way off his mark and it runs away over Pat Cummins and Rishabh Pant for 4 byes. 

Cummins nearing a half-century here. 15 off the over.

AUS 394/6 (102)

Drives it through the covers, Steve Smith brings up his 34th Test century. Second consecutive against India, and he's been phenomenal this morning. Steve Smith 103* off 167 balls!

AUS 379/6 (101)

Virat Kohli looks to get under Steve Smith's skin with some chatter. The India star was spotted walking up to Smith at the stumps and utter a few words. Smith isn't far away from his 34th Test ton at the moment.

AUS 371/6 (100 overs)

Steve Smith already has 10 Test hundreds to his name against India, already the joint-most for a batter. He is cruising towards his 11th. Meanwhile, Nitish Reddy has been brought into the attack by Rohit Sharma. 

A security breach at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as a fan tricks guards to enter the ground from the stands. However, the security team acted quickly and took him back. The fan did manage to have a brief chat with Virat Kohli before being taken away.

Both Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep have looked to test Pat Cummins with bouncers this morning but the plan seems to be misfiring at the moment. 15 runs from Akash's over, with Cummins hitting 8 of them. 

AUS 359/6 (96 overs)

Steve Smith continues to ride his luck. Beaten many times, both by Bumrah and Akash, but remains stationed on the pitch. Rohit understandably getting frustrated in the slips. 

AUS 342/6 (94 overs)

A look at the Bumrah vs Smith battle that is likely to shape up the second day's play.

The battle between Steve Smith and Jasprit Bumrah is delivering early #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/guoWglsJBT

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024

Not the kind of starts that India would've wanted, with Steve Smith cruising towards a century. Even Jasprit Bumrah has been able to test Smith the way he would've liked but that edge of the bat flowing into the wicket-keeper's gloves is still missing.

AUS 332/6 (91 overs)

Team India players can be seen wearing black armbands on Day 2 in the field as a tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh who breathed his last yesterday. 

After a rather baffling call to start with the pairing of Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, skipper Rohit Sharma brings back Jasprit Bumrah in attack for the third over of the day. He replaces Siraj.

Mohammed Siraj begins India's attack with the ball on Day 2 and it isn't how India would have wanted it to be. 9 runs from the over including a boundary from the bat of Pat Cummins. India need to do better if they are to restrict Australia around a score of 350.

AUS 320/9 (87 overs)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir was spotted giving a long pep-talk to the players in a huddle before Rohit Sharma also spoke a few words. India need to fightback early. And now, we are underway!

We had a full day's play yesterday but the weather isn't as promising today and tomorrow. While a full 90-over play could be possible today as well, it's Saturday that paints the worst picture of all. With about 60% chance of rain tomorrow, India need to start their preparations and execute their plans early.

Steve Smith remains the most important wicket for India this morning. The Iconic batter is already soaring in top form, having regained his confidence in Brisbane with a hundred. It would be key for India to get his out as early as possible. But what kind of a strategy India skipper Rohit Sharma would adopt against him? Will Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep start the attack with the ball today?

Virat Kohli has already been penalised but here's a look at the discussions that took place around his clash with Sam Konstas on Day 1.

Experts #IrfanPathan, #RaviShastri, #JustinLanger & #SunilGavaskar share their thoughts on the fiery Konstas-Virat episode from the 1st day of MCG Test! #AUSvINDOnStar 4th Test, Day 2 | FRI, 27th DEC, 5 A pic.twitter.com/LQbzwKfIDo

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 26, 2024

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Day 2 of the 4th Test between India and Australia from Melbourne. Australia have the upper hand after a terrific Day 1 that saw as many as 4 of their batters scoring a half-century. India did manage to fightback in the final session with the help of Jasprit Bumrah but they need quick wickets today to truly make a comeback.