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After winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The India pacers started well, especially Jasprit Bumrah who was rewarded with the early wicket of Joe Burns as he edged one to be out caught-behind. Ashwin was getting turn and bounce from his first over itself and he continued to trouble the Aussie batsmen forcing them to play risky shots. There were two review calls in the session – one each by India and Australia. Marnus Labuschagne was the highest run-scorer, accumulating 48 runs off 132 deliveries, in an innings comprising of four boundaries.
Dismissing 3 wickets before the lunch session was a morale boost for India who had suffered a week of being bashed in the press after their Adelaide shellacking. They made four changes to their XI and three paid off immediately. Ravi Jadeja (1/15) came in for Virat Kohli, and he chipped in with a wicket and took an excellent catch, leading a vastly improved display in the field. Mohammed Siraj (2/40) bowled magnificently on debut, and it was his spell on either side of Tea that converted India’s pressure into dominance.
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Travis Head provided support, scoring 38 runs from 92 balls. Opener Matthew Wade looked confident during his knock of 30 runs off 39 deliveries, taking the attack to Umesh Yadav. However, a risky shot led to his dismissal, with Ravindra Jadeja completing a sharp catch. Steve Smith and Joe Burns were dismissed for ducks. The hosts opted to bat after skipper Tim Paine won the toss. Jasprit Bumrah accounted for four dismissals. Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj took three and two wickets respectively while Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with one.