02:04

When Geoff Lemon began this OBO by describing the MCG pitch as a twenty-yard slab of solidified cat sick he set the tone for a day of cricket that was always up against it in the beauty and excitement stakes. The moribund deck allied with the obstinate Kookaburra ball made for attritional viewing with Australia unable to fashion many chances and India content to occupy the crease without a great deal of interest in advancing the score.

After the visitors won the toss and chose to bat first they were rewarded with a superb debut 76 from Mayank Agarwal and a 66-ball eight from makeshift opener Hanuma Vihari. That paved the way for Che Pujara and Virat Kohli to lay the foundations for a big first-innings total against a lacklustre Australian attack. That India only mustered a run-rate of 2.4 rpo may yet come back to haunt them.

Pat Cummins was the star for the hosts, his two wickets were earned as much through determination and force of will as inspired pace bowling. He and his colleagues will need to make early inroads with the still-new ball tomorrow or Australia could be in for an energy-sapping day in the field that has ramifications into the second innings and even Sydney.

Geoff, Adam and I will be back to steer you through day two, right here on the OBO. I hope you join us.