MELBOURNE: While at tea break, India had high hopes of bringing the boxing day test to a draw, but Australian captain Pat Cummins had other plans. Australia set a target of 340 runs while India stumbled to 155 runs sparking wild celebrations from the kangaroos.

Rohit Sharma scored just nine runs, KL Rahul returned for a duck and Virat Kohli scored five runs, shattering the hopes of the team. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Pant kicked up a vital partnership but the stellar bowling from home talent Boland and captain Cummins was too hot to handle for the Indian side.

Rishabh Pant tried an unnecessary shot on Travis Head's ball and returned to the pavilion. This wicket ensured India’s downfall in the game as Australia made a turn of fortunes from their first test defeat at Perth.

Ravindra Jadeja (2) failed to show his resilience while Nitish Kumar Reddy (1) couldn’t work the magic this time. Jaiswal, who remained at the crease till the last succumbed to a bouncer from Cummins, making things merrier for Aussies. Jaiswal left the crease with 84 runs off 208 balls including eight boundaries.

Nathan Lyon took the final wicket of Siraj, erupting the crowd while the team ran over the pitch in a frenzy. With this defeat, India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship final is all but gone.