In Pics: Ajinkya Rahane reigns as India batsmen banish nightmare 36

Ajinkya Rahane scored his 12th century in the third session of Day 2 to lead India's reply against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. (Getty Images)

Rahane, who was on 73 when he was dropped at second slip by Steve Smith off a frustrated Mitchell Starc, brought up his century with a four off Pat Cummins. (AP Photo)

Rahane's unbeaten 104 and Ravindra Jadeja (40*) enabled India to take a 82-run lead at Stumps on Day 2. (AP Photo)

The Indian captain reached the milestone off 197 balls with the help of 11 fours. (Getty Images)

Rahane became the 12th Indian captain to score a Test hundred and only the second Indian batsman, after Vinoo Mankad to score two centuries at the MCG. (AP Photo)

Rahane joined the likes of Mohammad Azharuddin, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli to score a Test hundred in Australia as Indian captain. (Getty Images)

Ajinkya Rahane reached half-century in the second session of Day 2. (Getty Images)

Rahane reached his fifty off 111 balls and the knock displayed his excellent temperament and his shot-selection was top class against some hostile Aussie bowling. (Getty Images)

With a composed knock, Rahane steadied the India innings, sharing half-century partnerships with Hanuma Vihari (21) and Rishabh Pant (29). (AP Photo)

Earlier, resuming on the overnight score of 36/1, Shubman Gill (28) went on to score 65-ball 45 before nicking an out-swinger from Pat Cummins. (AP photo)

Cheteshwar Pujara too then fell on 17, in the space of 11 balls as India went to lunch at 90/3. (AP photo)

On Day 1, Rahane was not only impressive with his bowling changes but he also marshalled his resources well as India dismissed Australia for 195. (AP Photo)

Rahane led the side in brilliant fashion on the field, using his bowlers superbly and showing flair with his field settings. (AFP Photo)