Smith loses toss, India batting in Test

Steve Smith has lost the toss in his first Test as captain of Australia, with India batting first in Brisbane.

India skipper MS Dhoni opted to bat first in the second Test, with Mitchell Johnson to take the new ball on a typical Gabba green-top.

“The quicks are excited to bowl on a wicket with a bit more pace and bounce after Adelaide last week and the UAE,” Smith said.

Smith was promoted to captain on Monday and is leading the side in the absence of hamstrung skipper Michael Clarke.

The 25-year-old was presented with his captain’s blazer by Mark Taylor before play.

“It’s been a big couple of days … it’s exciting … but I’m just looking forward to playing,” Smith said.

Smith is the third youngest man to lead Australia’s Test side.

Glenn McGrath presented debutant Josh Hazlewood with baggy green No.440.

The hosts made three changes to the side that pipped India by 48 runs at Adelaide Oval, with Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Shaun Marsh replacing Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris and Clarke.

The tourists also made three changes to their XI, with Dhoni, Ravichandran Ashwin and Umesh Yadav coming in at the expense of Wriddhiman Saha, Karn Sharma and Mohammed Shami.

Australia XI: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith (capt), Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

India XI: Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni (capt), Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron, Ishant Sharma.

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