Rahane Ton Puts India in Driving Seat against Aussies

Stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane rode his luck to hit a gritty unbeaten century as India built an ominous 82-run lead over Australia on day two to take a stranglehold on the second Test in Melbourne on Sunday.

It was a determined and crucial knock against a world-class attack by the mild-mannered 32-year-old, who assumed the captaincy from Virat Kohli after he returned home for the birth of his first child.

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.

The hosts took just four wickets during a frustrating day in the field as the match began to slip away with India zeroing in on leveling the series after losing the first Test by eight wickets in Adelaide.

Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins both took two wickets.

While Rahane was the hero, it was a gutsy team performance, with three 50-plus wicket partnerships to help silence their critics after India were skittled for their all-time low of 36 last week.

On a steamy and overcast day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, they resumed on 36 for one in reply to Australia's first innings 195, having weathered a torrid 11 overs Saturday when they lost Mayank Agarwal for a duck.

In an action-packed morning, the Australian attack consistently hit its line and length with Pat Cummins bagging impressive debutant Shubman Gill for 45 and 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.