Melbourne: Opener Mayank Agarwal scored a half-century on debut in a patient stand with Cheteshwar Pujara as India pushed to 155 for two in the third session of the third test on Wednesday as Australia’s bowlers laboured on a docile pitch.
After a frustrating session for the home side, seamer Pat Cummins had Agarwal caught down the leg-side for 76 off 161 balls, the wicket ending an 83-run partnership and bringing tea.
Pujara and India captain Virat Kohli are on the crease. India had won the toss and elected to bat on a Melbourne Cricket Ground wicket that offered little for the bowlers.
Cummins earlier captured the first wicket before lunch, removing promoted opener Hanuma Vihari for eight, but Australia’s formidable pace battery was largely blunted by the lifeless pitch.
India had resumed on 57 for one after lunch, with Agarwal having impressed in a chanceless opening session.
