India vs Australia, 3rd Test: Labuschagne helps AUS take control on Day 1

Australian debutant Will Pucovski completed his maiden half-century before being dismissed by Navdeep Saini on 62.

Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith finished the day unbeaten as the duo helped Australia reach 166/2 at stumps on Day 1 of the third Test between India and Australia. The pair have added 60 runs for the third wicket, with Smith batting on 31, while his partner Labuschagne playing on 67. 

Following an interruption due to rain in the first session, Australia tried to keep things in control. The play started with Mohammed Siraj removing David Warner early in the innings. The swashbuckling opener who is playing his first match of the ongoing series was removed cheaply on 5. 

However, Australian debutant Will Pucovski sustained the pressure nicely as he went on to complete his maiden half-century. The debutant along with Marnus Labuschagne kept the scorecard ticking, before being removed by Navdeep Saini on 62. After his dismissal Labuschagne continued the steady run for the hosts as he was joined by Steve Smith on the other end.

Earlier in the day, Australian skipper Tim Paine won the toss and elected to bat first. 

These were the updates from Day 1, we'll be back when the action resumes tomorrow.  

07 January 2021

13:19 IST

STUMPS: Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne remain unbeaten at the end of Day 1. The pair have added 60 runs for the third wicket, with Labuschagne batting on 67 and Smith on 31. Australia finish the day on 166/2. 

12:39 IST

Marnus Labuschagne along with Steve Smith has taken the Australian total past 150-run mark. Labuschagne is batting on 58 and the good news for Australia is Smith finally knocking some fine shots from the middle of his blade. It has been a tough series for Smith, with the former Aussie skipper managing to add just 10 runs in the previous two encounters. 

AUS: 152/2

11:51 IST

OUT: Saini dismisses Pucovski

WJ Pucovski lbw b Saini 62 

11:36 IST

TEA: The second session of the day is over and Australia will be the happier side going to the break. Apart from Warner's early dismissal, India are toiling in front of Pucovski and Labuschagne. Australia go into the interval with 93/1 on the board. 

11:15 IST

The partnership between Pucovski and and Labuschagne has started to hurt India. The pair have added 87 runs as Australia reach 93/1 after 31 overs. Meanwhile, debutant Pucovski has also completed his half-century. 

Is there a bit of Ponting in this Pucovski pull?

The shot that brought up 50 for the Victorian! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/mykOyBtSPr

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 7, 2021

10:37 IST

Will Pucovski and Marnus Labuschagne are taking things steady for the hosts as they edge past the 50-run mark.  

AUS: 56/1

Marnus Labuschagne: 19

Will Pucovski: 32 

10:20 IST

Marnus Labuschagne: 18
Will Pucovski: 23

09:42 IST

Will Pucovski: 17 
Marnus Labuschagne: 5

09:40 IST

Play resumes after rain.

08:54 IST

Next inspection at 2.30 pm local time. That is 9.00 am IST.

08:17 IST

It's started raining again at Sydney. 

07:35 IST

Rain has stopped and it is much brighter at Sydney.

07:23 IST

 Lunch has been taken. Local media reported that the play may resume at 1.00 pm local time.

07:22 IST

Rain has interrupted play after 7.1 overs.