Australia's top-order batters had an impressive start on Boxing Day, with debutant Sam Constas opening alongside Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3. All three batters scored half-centuries, while Steven Smith, batting at No. 4, went on to score a brilliant century. After winning the toss and opting to bat first in Melbourne, Australia posted a formidable total of 474 runs in their first innings. Smith led the scoring with 140 runs.

Resuming day two on Friday, December 27, at 311/6, Australia added 163 more runs before losing their remaining wickets. Smith, starting the day on 68, was well-supported by Pat Cummins, who scored 49 off 63 balls. Smith reached his 34th career century, his 11th against India, off 167 balls. This innings also set a record for the most Test centuries against India, surpassing England’s Joe Root, who had 10 centuries in 53 innings, with Smith achieving the milestone in just 43 innings.

Additional contributions came from Mitchell Starc (15) and Nathan Lyon (13). For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 99 runs. Ravindra Jadeja picked up 3 wickets, while Akash Deep and Washington Sundar took 2 and 1 wickets, respectively.

In response, India was batting at 51/2 by the tea break, with Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease.