Three positive aspects for India from Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test

An impressive hundred by stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane put India in command at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rahane, along with Jadeja, put up a lead of 82 runs for the visitors.

The Australian side started on a good note. Their paceman Pat Cummins sent back both Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara in his eight-over spell. However, India's middle-order bounced back before rain forced an early finish to the day. 

After 64 for 3, Rahane and Hanuma Vihari stitched a partnership of 52 runs. Rahane and Pant's 57-run collaboration followed this. After the dismissal of Pant, Rahane and Jadeja were unbeaten 104 runs. 

Let's look at three positives for India from Day 2 of the second Test against Australia.

1. Rishabh Pant's techniques 

The wicket-keeper batsman made most of his team involvement after scoring 29 runs from 40-balls. Pant smashed Mitchell Starc for 20 runs in two overs. Previously, the fast bowler had given away just 12 runs in his eight overs.

After the dismissal of Vihari, Rahane played cautiously. Team India wanted Pant to play with an aggressive approach which he eventually did. But it was Starc who dismissed the Indian wicket-keeper batsman. With the wicket, Starc claimed his 250th Test wicket and giving Tim Paine his 150th dismissal.

In the first innings, Pant made news as he helped Ravichandran Ashwin get Matthew Wade's wicket. With this, the fans and experts are optimistic that Pant has finally made his team.

2. Ajinkya Rahane's brilliant Knock

India's stand-in skipper hit his 12th century on Day Two. Rahane walked in to bat in the 22nd over. Rahane showed courage and led India past Australia's first innings score of 195. The right-handed batsman smashed 11 boundaries.

The skipper further added 52 runs with Hanuma Vihari for the fourth wicket. After Vihari's wicket, Pant fired with some quick runs. Then walked in Jadeja, who along with Rahane, played an unbeaten 104 run partnership.

This ton was Rahane's eighth Test century away from home and his first as a captain. 

3. Team India's unbelievable comeback

The Indian side had registered their lowest-ever total in the Test cricket earlier at Adelaide. Even though Indian had a lead in the first innings, the visitors lost the Test by eight wickets.

Acknowledging the team's low confidence after this defeat, they bounced back more robust in the second Test. Shubman Gill's brilliant knock of 45 runs was a pleasure to watch. There were vital contributions from the middle order as well. With the lead, India will be high on morale when play begins again on Day 3.

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