India exorcise Adelaide ghost

Melbourne: India defeated Australia by eight wickets in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday. The four-Test series is now level at 1-1. Australia had won the first Test in Adelaide, also by eight wickets after bowling out India to their lowest Test score of 36.

Set a target of 70 after Australia were dismissed for 200 in their second innings on Tuesday, the Indians got to the target for the loss of opener Mayank Agarwal (5) and No. 3 Cheteshwar Pujara (3).

Shubman Gill, who hit seven fours in a delightful innings, was unbeaten on 35 and skipper Ajinkya Rahane on 27.

Earlier, the Aussies, who resumed on 133 for six, added 67 more runs before getting bowled out at the stroke of lunch in the extended first session.

India coach Ravi Shastri termed the win over Australia as one of the greatest comebacks 'in the history of the game'.

"I think this will go down in the annals of Indian cricket, world cricket as one of the 'Great Comebacks' in the history of the game. "To be rolled over for 36 and three days later to get up and be ready to punch back was outstanding.

"I think the boys showed real character," Shastri said.

Ajinkya Rahane praised the team's debutants, opener Shubman Gill and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.

"Really proud of all the players. Played really well. Want to give credit to the debutants Siraj and Gill, the character they showed after the Adelaide loss was great to see. Character was important for us, especially after losing Umesh in the second innings," said Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane is a very shrewd, calm leader and has a good understanding of the game, said India coach Ravi Shastri .

Shastri also termed Rahane's first-innings knock of 112 as the turning point of the match.

"There was a calming influence and inspite of losing Umesh, I thought we did a great job," said Shastri.