IND vs AUS, 3rd Test: Mayank Agarwal scores 50 on debut, India are 113/1 after 50 overs

Debutant Mayank Agarwal displayed some brilliant cricketing skills to reach his half-century and give India a steady start on the first day of the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday.

The opener came down the track and drilled it back past the non-striker for a four to reach his maiden fifty.After the loss of one wicket, India's score stands at 113 after 50 overs.

India lost its first wicket with opener Hanuma Vihari returning to the crease after contributing just eight runs.Vihari, who played 66 balls, lost his wicket to Pat Cummins when India's score reached 40.

Earlier, Rookies Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal survived the first 10 overs in the Boxing Day Test, promising a new opening pair for the Indian cricket team.

Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday.

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Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match."

"We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav."

The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1.

Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure."