Melbourne, Dec 27 (Reporter) At 51/2 after 15.1 overs, India found themselves precariously perched on the edge of uncertainty, their fate now resting on the cool-headed Virat Kohli and the spirited Yashasvi Jaiswal. It was a moment that demanded resilience, but the scales were already tilting ominously towards Australia. The highlight of the day—and perhaps the series—came moments before tea when Pat Cummins produced a delivery that could only be described as a work of art and menace. It was a fiery thunderbolt, clocking high pace, darting in with surgical precision, and clipping the top of off stump to send KL Rahul packing for a gritty 24. Rahul, who had laboured to rebuild after the early jolts, could only look back in dismay as his departure reignited Australian hopes. The MCG erupted, with Cummins leading his team’s charge like a general on the battlefield. The day began with India’s openers walking out to face a daunting Australian total of 474, built on Steven Smith’s sublime 140 and contributions from Pat Cummins (49) and Mitchell Starc (15). Rohit Sharma’s stay at the crease was short-lived. The Indian skipper, usually a calming presence, fell to Cummins for just 3, miscuing a pull shot to mid-on. It was a blow that set the tone for Australia’s relentless pressure. Rahul and Jaiswal then mounted a gritty 43-run stand. Rahul, with his nimble footwork and precise drives, appeared to be gaining control. Jaiswal, meanwhile, showcased his composure, leaving deliveries with confidence and punishing anything loose. But just as India seemed to be clawing their way back, Cummins struck again, delivering a blow that reverberated through the Indian camp. Australia’s pacers, led by Cummins, were at their clinical best. Scott Boland’s unerring accuracy and relentless length further bottled up the Indian batsmen. Together, the duo kept the scoring rate in check, ensuring the pressure never relented. With the final session on the horizon, all eyes are on Kohli and Jaiswal. The duo holds the key to India’s fortunes, and their battle against a spirited Australian attack promises high drama. Can Kohli summon one of his vintage innings to guide India to safety, or will Australia’s bowlers tighten the noose? Resuming at 311/6, Australia’s lower order added valuable runs, frustrating the Indian attack. Steven Smith was the star of the innings, his 34th Test century a masterclass in precision and intent. Smith’s knock was peppered with authoritative boundaries and a cheeky six over fine leg off Mohammed Siraj. India’s bowlers toiled under the Melbourne sun. Jasprit Bumrah led the charge, claiming 4/99, while Ravindra Jadeja’s 3/78 included a peach of a delivery to clean up Mitchell Starc. The hosts’ fielding, however, left much to be desired. A lack of energy and dropped chances allowed Australia to dominate the morning session, adding 143 runs in just 27 overs. Sunil Gavaskar and Justin Langer didn’t mince words in the commentary box, questioning India’s intensity. Off the field, Virat Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and received a demerit point for shoulder-barging Australian batter Sam Konstas on Day 1. While the match referee termed it a Level 1 offence, the incident has added another layer of intrigue to an already dramatic series. As Day 2 draws to a close, the match is finely poised. The first hour tomorrow will be crucial, as India looks to establish a foothold and Australia eyes an early breakthrough. With the series on the line, every run, every wicket, and every session will carry immense weight. The script is far from written, and the cricketing world waits with bated breath for the next twist in this enthralling tale...////...