India lose series against Oz post Boxing Day Test draw

India failed to capitalise on a healthy first innings in the Boxing Day Test as they were held to a stalemate by an Australian bowling attack that saw the tourists losing the four match series 2-0.

The Boxing Day Test ended in a draw after Australia posted a second innings total of 318-9 declared and held India to 174-6 at the draw of stumps on the final day of the Melbourne Test.

Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli failed to replicate his first innings antics as he was dismissed for a half ton. Kohli was caught by Joe Burns off returning paceman Ryan Harris' express delivery for his individual score of 54.

Indian openers Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and debutant Lokesh Rahul failed to provide any base to the tourists' scoreline as they fell in quick succession for 11, duck and one run respectively.

Kohli steadied the Indian ship with Ajinkya Rahane as they built an 85 run partnership stand for the fourth wicket.

Cheteshwar Pujara's batting demons seemed to continue as he yet again failed to capitalise on a good start as he was bowled off by Mitchell Johnson's express delivery.

Rahane fell two runs short of his half-century as he was caught by Shaun Marsh off Josh Hazlewood's delivery.

Indian sipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni kept the tourists from decimating in front of an Australian attack as he remained unbeaten on 24 runs with Ravichandran Ashwin on eight.

India now face a dead rubber in the fourth and final Test in Sydney as Australia won the first and second Test with the Boxing Day Test ending in a draw.