India are set to play their fourth and final Test in Brisbane from January 15 and current health protocols would require the touring side to undergo quarantine if they play the third Test at the SCG.
On Saturday, Pant, who is often touted as the next Dhoni, assumed the role of his predecessor when he adviced senior spinner Ashwin on how to dismiss Matthew Wade
The former Indian wicket-keeper says the similarity in Mumbai and Melbourne opening day wicket prompted stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane to use Ashwin early on Day 1.
R Ashwin took two for 17, including the wicket of Australian batting mainstay Steve Smith, to give India the edge in the first session of the second Test.
Australia opted to bat first the MCG on Saturday morning but the decision backfired as the hosts went three down for 65 at lunch.
Ravindra Jadeja took a smart catch over the cover to end Matthew Wade's innings at 30 to R Ashwin.
With the dismissal, Ashwin became the first spinner to take two wickets inside the first 15 overs of the opening innings on Australian soil since 2001.
Australia lead the head-to-head tie against India with 43 wins to 28 defeats
A huge commemoration will be held at tea break for Jones while a bay of seats will remain covered through the second Test between India and Australia with a banner paying tribute to the cricketer.
Gill was handed India's 297th Test cap by head coach and former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri while the 298th Test cap was given to Siraj by veteran teammate Ravichandran Ashwin.
India vs Australia 2nd Test, Day 1: Team India emerge on top after folding Australia for 195 and then remaining on 36/1 on day 1 of Boxing Day Test
Rahane revealed Kohli had dinner with the team before leaving for India on paternity leave; urged the team to play for each other and enjoy each other's success and help each other out on the field.
Ahead of the second 'Boxing Day' Test against India, the Australian team on Friday got together for a Christmas lunch.
Rahane admits on being at fault for running out Kohli in the first Test when the Indian skipper was just 26 runs away from his first century of the year.
Rahane is standing in for regular skipper Virat Kohli who has returned to India to attend the birth of his first child.
Shubman Gill comes in for Prithvi Shaw, Ravindra Jadeja for Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant for Wriddhiman Saha, and Mohammed Siraj for Mohammad Shami.
From Sehwag's 195 to Bumrah's 6-for, the Boxing Day Test has served fans with many memorable moments over the past few decades.
It is likely that KL Rahul won't feature in the second Test with Hanuma Vihari to retain his spot and will bat at no. 4.
Chappell writes in his column that both India and Australia are evenly matched but it's the Oz bowling attack that gives the hosts an edge.
The Australian skipper reminds the hosts they can't let their guard down after winning the first Test and must go into the second Test with all their might.
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