Boxing Day Test: India takes lead

India have taken the lead on the second day of the ongoing Boxing Day Test at MCG today.

With Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja making steady progress, India posted 247 for five till filing of this report.

Australia had a chance to remove Rahane on 57 when a thick edge flew between Tim Paine and Steven Smith who was the lone slip, Paine having strengthened the off-side field moments before, reports espncricinfo.com.

That was India's session. Some proactive batting by Rishabh Pant and a terrific captain's innings from Ajinkya Rahane has put them within sight of a precious lead - two sets off four byes when Mitchell Starc was bowling were helpful.

Mitchell Starc has broken a very threatening stand to give Australia a lift shortly before tea. Rishabh Pant went for a cut and got a thin edge to Tim Paine, giving Starc his 250th Test.

Starc and Pat Cummins picked two wickets each, while Nathan Lyon picked another.