Ajinkya Rahane praises debutants after the win in Boxing Day Test

Ajinkya Rahane praised debutants Gill and Mohammed Siraj for their stunning performances against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The men in blue bounced back positively from the Adelaide defeat. In the absence of skipper Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami team India still managed to seal the match. It was all possible because of the exploits of Gill and Siraj.

As a captain, Rahane was always ahead of the game even if it was bowling changes or field placements. His century in the first innings made the difference between the two sides.

Ajinkya Rahane was announced as the man of the match as he scored 112 and 27* in both the innings. The visitors lost two early wickets of Agarwal and Pujara while chasing 70 runs. 

India stand-in captain also became the first recipient of the prestigious Mullagh Medal after India defeated Australia by eight wickets. The Indian side has now levelled the four-match series 1-1. 

Youngster Shubman Gill has an outstanding first-class record. He has undoubtedly impressed everyone in the two innings he played in Melbourne. With scores of 45 and 35*respectively, the 21-year-old has cemented his place in the next Test. Rahane and Gill finished the innings in 15.5 overs and helped India level the series.

Mohammed Siraj was also impressive as he picked up five wickets

In the post-match presentation ceremony, Rahane credited his debutants and explained how the performances were essential for the team's win. Mohammed Siraj picked up three wickets, and Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin grabbed two wickets each.

Rahane also said that the team showed great character at Melbourne, especially after Umesh Yadav pulled a calf muscle in the second innings. 

With four wins at MCG, team India's becomes the most successful team to win in a venue away from home. Earlier the men in blue had won three Tests each at Queens Park Oval, Sabina Park, and at the SSC in Colombo. Formerly, it was England who won more than three matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

India and Australia will be playing their third test match on January 7, 2021. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney, the upcoming Test is mostly going to take place at the MCG itself. The sides now level at 1-1, and Team India will continue their excellent form and retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

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