Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar and ex-head coach Ravi Shastri did not hold back in criticizing India's lackluster performance during the first session of Day 2 in the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne. Gavaskar remarked that India's fast bowler Akash Deep, who opened the bowling alongside Mohammed Siraj on Friday, "wasted the (second) new ball." A revitalized Steve Smith scored his second century in consecutive Tests, contributing to Australia's formidable total. Captain Pat Cummins also made a significant impact with a brisk 49, leading Australia to a score of 454/7 by the time Lunch was called on Day 2.

During the morning session, the Australian team amassed 143 runs in 27 overs, losing only one wicket. The Indian bowlers—Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah—appeared fatigued and uninspired, while captain Rohit Sharma seemed to lack strategic options as Smith and Cummins dominated the play.

Gavaskar criticized Akash Deep for delivering loose balls to Cummins, resulting in easy runs. "The bowling was quite ordinary. When attempting a bouncer, it should be directed around the helmet's badge, not at the waist. I am very disappointed. This new ball has been squandered. Akash Deep has been erratic, wasting the new ball by bowling far outside off stump. The Indian fielding has also been careless," he stated during the commentary.

Shastri slams Rohit Sharma's captaincy

Ravi Shastri expressed his discontent with Rohit Sharma's leadership, questioning the rationale behind selecting two spinners who were not effectively utilized.

"India seemed to lack a clear strategy. The bowling performance was rather subpar. Spin was underutilized, with Sundar only bowling after 40 overs. What was the purpose of including two spinners if there is no confidence in their abilities?" he remarked during the post-Lunch segment on Star Sports.

Smith resumed his innings at 68, accompanied by Cummins, who had scored eight runs.

The experienced batsman demonstrated his aggressive approach early on, hitting a four off Jasprit Bumrah, while Cummins also played with confidence, unafraid to take risks.

They accumulated 15 runs in a single over from Akash Deep, establishing a 50-run partnership, before Smith struck a six off Bumrah, further compounding India's difficulties.

The Indian team's body language reflected their growing frustration as the Test match slipped away on a pitch that provided minimal assistance.

Smith achieved his 34th Test century with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy, building on his recent resurgence in form during the last Test in Brisbane, where he scored 101.

This innings was marked by patience from the 35-year-old, placing him alongside four other players on the all-time century-makers list, including Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara.

Only six players have surpassed this milestone, with Sachin Tendulkar leading the list with 51 centuries.

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