STUMPS | That's the end of day's play. India end the day with the happier of two sides. After losing both the openers, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli took India forward. Pujara and Kohli are now unbeaten on 68 and 47 respectively. Full Scorecard.Do join us for day two's action tomorrow.
Virat Kohli is nearing his half-century as this partnership continues to grow. Australia look desperate for a wicket here. Meanwhile, seven overs remain in the day now.
The new ball is five overs away and it will be interesting to see whether Australia take it straightaway or not. India's run-rate has been on a slower side through out the day and it continues to be under three.
Cheteshwar Pujara has completed his half-century. That's his 21st half-century in Tests. Meanwhile, the partnership between him and Virat Kohli is worth 51 runs now.
The partnership between Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli is now worth 36 off 55 balls. Pujara, meanwhile, is nearing towards his yet another half-century.
OUT! Mayank Agarwal perishes just before the tea. End of a fine knock. Was looking to play it down the leg-side, gloves it to the wicketkeeper. The partnership between Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara which was worth 83 ends now. Agarwal c Paine b Pat Cummins 76(161)
That's half-century up for Mayank Agarwal. Fifty on debut for the right-hander. 50 off 95 balls and he completes the milestone with a boundary down the ground.
Play resumes after the lunch break. It is Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood bowling in tandem for Australia. Meanwhile, Mayank Agarwal is nearing towards his half-century.
LUNCH BREAK | So, it is time for lunch on day one. Mayank Agarwal, the debutant, has done a fine job and is unbeaten on 34. Cheteshwar Pujara is batting on 10. Do join us back for second session.
OUT! Australia pick first wicket.Pat Cummins strikes for the hosts. Banged in short and Hanuma Vihari gloves it towards the second slip. Vihari's patient stay at the crease comes to an end. Hanuma Vihari c Khawaja b Pat Cummins 8(66)
India will play against Australia in the third Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), starting December 26. With the series level at 1-1, the contest during the Boxing Day Test match will be an essential one for both the sides. It will help either of India and Australia to gain an unassailable lead in the 4-match series, if they secure a win.
In the first Test match, the visitors won the game by a narrow margin, i.e. 31 runs. On the other hand, the Aussies came back hard after the beating and registered the victory by 146 runs in the previous match at the Perth stadium. Live Cricket Streaming of India vs Australia 2018-19 Series on SonyLIV: Check Live Cricket Score, Watch Free Telecast of IND vs AUS 3rd Test Match, Day 1, on TV & Online
India has announced their playing XI on the eve of the match. Surprisingly, India has dropped both Murali Vijay and KL Rahul and will hand the young Mayank Agarwal, a Test debut. Hanuma Vihari is tipped to open the innings for India with Agarwal on the other end.
Also, a lot was said about Ravindra Jadeja’s omission from the side that played in the second Test match. A lot of contradictory statements after the culmination of the game resulted in a high-pitch controversy. However, keeping all debates at bay, Jadeja has been drafted into the playing XI.
As for the home team, Australia has recalled Mitchell Marsh in the mix of the things, to bolster their lower middle order batting. Mitchell will also come handy as a pace all-rounder. India's Playing XI Against Australia for 2018 Boxing Day Test: Mayank Agarwal to Debut, Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma Surprise Inclusions.
The Indian team doesn’t have pretty good memories at the MCG, especially in the Test format. As India and Australia are scheduled to play the third Test match at the venue, it will be interesting to see which side ends on a winning note, at the end of the Day 5. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about India vs Australia Test Series 2018-19!