Pune, Feb 23:

Pacer Mitchell Starc's unbeaten half century lifted Australia to 256/9 at stumps on the opening day of the first Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here on Thursday.

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At stumps, Starc was unbeaten on 57 runs from 58 balls with fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood giving him company on one off 31 deliveries.

Tottering at 205/9, Starc's fiery strokeplay helped him raise a undefeated 51-run last wicket stand with Hazlewood to take the Australians past the 250-run mark.

Earlier, pacer Umesh Yadav scripted Australia's downfall with figures of 4/32, while the spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin (2/59), Ravindra Jadeja (2/74) and Jayant Yadav (1/58) shared five wickets between themselves as the visitors lost five wickets for just 56 runs in the third session.

Brief Scores: Australia: 1st innings 356/9 (Matt Renshaw 68, Mitchell Starc 57 not out, David Warner 38, Steve Smith 27, Umesh Yadav 4/32, Ravichandran Ashwin 2/59, Ravindra Jadeja 2/74) vs India. (IANS)