Under-siege Australia have come out fighting to reach 0-109 at lunch on day two of the third cricket Test against India.
Thursday’s first day of play was washed out but sunny conditions greeted players on Friday.
It’s the first century opening stand by either side in the series. Ed Cowan is 43 not out and David Warner is on 54.
Cowan was fortunate on 35 when his attempted cut shot whizzed past Virat Kohli at slip who was unable to get his left hand on the delivery bowled by left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha.
Warner on 50 also squirted an edge past Kohli’s right hand from the bowling of left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja.
Test great Allan Border said before play that he felt the injection of youth including 23-year-old Steve Smith could energise the side following the shock suspensions of four players over the homeworkgate affair.
“I had a good chat to him (Australian captain Michael Clarke) yesterday afternoon … about where Australian cricket’s at and what he can do to improve things,” TV commentator Border said.
“It was a good general chat. He’s in a good space.
“The team will be galvanised by recent events as well.
“They have made quite a few changes and sometimes new players bring a lot of energy to a team, especially if you have been struggling.
“It’s good to (see) Steve Smith getting a chance. Brad Haddin is back into the frame and he will add some seniority and knows the conditions well here in India.
“Mitchell Starc comes back into the side and Nathan Lyon … there is a good balance about the Australian side.”
Australia made four changes.
Injured wicketkeeper Matthew Wade (ankle) was ruled out while vice-captain Shane Watson and pace bowler James Pattinson were suspended for failing to submit a homework assignment on time to coach Mickey Arthur.
Squad members Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Johnson also received one-match bans over homeworkgate.
Off spinning allrounder Glenn Maxwell was dropped after taking four wickets and scoring 21 runs on debut in Hyderabad.
Former Test gloveman Haddin and No.5 batsman Smith were recalled along with paceman Starc and offspinner Lyon.
India lead the four-match series two-nil.