4th Test: Labuschagne ton, partnerships carry Australia to 274/5 at stumps on Day 1

Stumps on Day 1

Marnus Labuschagne (108), his 113-run stand with Matthew Wade (45) and two other 50-plus partnerships have carried Australia to a respectable 274/5 in 87 overs at close of play on Day 1 despite losing openers David Warner (1) and Marcus Harris (5) cheaply to be 17/2 at one stage after winning the toss and opting to bat. India's inexperienced pace attack and debutant Washington Sundar should be commended for their workman-like effort, after the visitors were left a bowler short due to Navdeep Saini's injury. Saini has gone for scans, with further update awaited. At close of play, skipper Tim Paine (38*) and Cameron Green (28*) had added 61 runs for the sixth wicket, and will resume batting duties tomorrow. For India, their second debutant T Natarajan was the most successful bowler, with figures of 2/63.

The Indian bowlers look tired as the day nears close. The sting is clearly out, as Green (25*) and skipper Paine (34*) continue to march on. Australia 266/5.

Pitched short by Natarajan, and Paine (27*) rocks back to help himself to a four, a fierce pull shot. Australia 255/5.

It will be Siraj from the other end who will try to make the second new ball count. Australia 251/5, two slips in place.

India take new ball after 81 overs. Natarajan to bowl the first over with the new red cherry. Australia 250/5.

80th over in progress. New ball will be available after this, if India wish to avail it. Meanwhile, Shardul has DROPPED Green (19*) off his own bowling, hit straight back at him but he fails to latch onto it in his follow-through. Australia 246/5.

Play will continue for additional 30 minutes today

After losing two early wickets, Australia have had partnerships of 70 (Labuschagne-Smith) and 113 (Labuschagne-Wade). This one between Paine (9*) and Green (19*) is also warming up nicely for the hosts, currently at 23.

Cameron Green (18*) is looking to go big, comes down to Sundar and lifts him over mid-off for a four. Australia 234/5.

Washington Sundar continues, with a short-leg, slip and leg-slip close in. New ball eight overs away, so the offie might continue for a while to keep one pacer fresh for the new cherry.

Tim Paine (5*) and Cameron Green (14*) will have to ensure that the good work done by Labuschagne and Wade doesn't go waste, while India will like to come back with a few late blows on the opening day. Aus 227/5.

India operating with four bowlers, and if Saini's injury is serious that's how it will be for the rest of the match

UPDATE: Navdeep Saini has now gone for scans

OUT! Labuschagne falls to Natarajan

OVERS 65.5: Labuschagne (108) edges a Natarajan delivery high up in the air on the leg side just behind the wicket, Pant calls for it and catches it safely. Australia 213/5

A different way to congratulate

OUT! A much needed breakthrough for India, provided by Natarajan who gets his first Test wicket in the form of Matthew Wade (45), who failed to connect a pull shot as it wasn't short enough for that stroke. He is caught by Thakur. End of the 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Australia 200/4.

Century for Labuschagne!

The Australia No. 3 makes India pay with his 5th Test century, after being dropped at 37 by Ajinkya Rahane. A copybook straight drive to bring up the landmark makes it even more special for this special batsman.

CENTURY PARTNERSHIP! Labuschagne (97*) and Wade (38*) are now making this Indian attack look very ordinary with the old ball. It won't find many doubters if it's said that Australia have put themselves behind the driving wheel on this opening day. 189/3.

Australia 178/3 in 60 overs. Labuschagne (90*) just 10 away from another Test century.

Australia taking control?