The much-maligned MCG is finally starting to show signs of life as the Aussies have fought their way back into the contest by removing centurion Cheteshwar Pujara and batting star Virat Kohli, who is battling a bad back.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli put on a monster partnership, but the Aussies owned the second session, striking through Mitchell Starc and then Pat Cummins.

Rohit Sharma (14 not out) and Ajinkya Rahane (32 not out) have steered India to 4-349 into the evening session on day two.

The venue’s docile drop-in pitch has finally showed a few little signs of life for Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Cummins - which could be bad news for the Aussie bats when they have to face the Indian pace barrage.