MELBOURNE (Australia): Stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane hit a gritty unbeaten century as India built a 82-run lead over Australia on day two in the second Test on Sunday.
Batting at four, he faced 200 balls for his 104 to steer India to 277 for five before rain ended play 15 minutes early. Ravindra Jadeja was not out 40.
On a steamy day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India resumed on 36 for one in reply to Australia’s first innings 195, having weathered 11 overs Saturday when they lost Mayank Agarwal for a duck to Starc.
In an action-packed morning, the Australian attack consistently hit its line and length with Pat Cummins bagging Gill then the experienced Cheteshwar Pujara for 17.
That brought Rahane to the crease and — first with Hanuma Vihari, then Rishabh Pant and finally Jadeja — he built half-century stands to put India in a strong position.
He brought up his 12th Test ton in his 67th game, and his second in Melbourne, with a four off Cummins, but he enjoyed some good fortune.
