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