India thrash Australia to level series

India beat Australia by eight wickets with a day to spare in the second Test in Melbourne to level the series.

The hosts were bowled out for 200 early on the fourth day, leaving India needing only 70 to win at the MCG.

Debutant Mohammed Siraj took 3-37, including Cameron Green, who offered some resistance in making 45 for Australia.

India slipped to 19-2 before Shubman Gill, another debutant, and stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane saw them home.

Gill, who made 45 in the first innings, finished unbeaten on 35 and man of the match Rahane followed up his first-innings century with 27 not out.

It was a remarkable turnaround for India, who were bowled out for 36 in an eight-wicket defeat in Adelaide just over a week ago.

The third Test of a thrilling four-match series begins on 6 January in Sydney.

India head coach Ravi Shastri: "To be rolled over for 36, and then three days later, to get up and be ready to punch was outstanding.

"This will go down in the annals of Indian cricket, world cricket, as one of the great comebacks in the history of the game."

India legend Sunil Gavaskar, speaking to Alison Mitchell: "The most pleasing thing was the determination of the entire team. The way they carried themselves - there was nothing negative from day one."

Source: BBC