Top order wears down Aussie attack

India’s batters blunted Australia’s attack to reach 303-4 at stumps on the first day of the fourth cricket test in Sydney.

Cheteshwar Pujara scored a century and opener Mayank Agarwal 77 to give the tourists the upper hand.

Agarwal scored his second 50 in as many matches as part of a 112-run partnership with Pujara before the opener fell to Nathan Lyon after lunch as India profited from winning the toss and batting on a green-tinged SCG pitch.

Pujara again proved to be an immovable object against Australia’s attack, patiently scoring his 21st halfcentury in tests, off 134 balls with five boundaries shortly before tea. He then went on to amass 130 not out at the close of play.

Captain Virat Kohi hardly got going before falling to Josh Hazlewood for 23.

Earlier, India lost Lokesh Rahul for nine in the second over of the morning to Hazlewood (1-27) who teased the opener into edging through to Shaun Marsh at first slip.

Agarwal and Pujara then saw India safely through to lunch at 69-1.

Agarwal opened up after lunch and raced to 77, before trying one big shot too many off Lyon (1-47) to hole out to Mitchell Starc at long on. Agarwal’s 77 came off 112 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes.

Agarwal’s departure brought Kohli to the crease and the India captain was welcomed by boos by many in the SCG crowd. The crowd’s reception didn’t appear to faze Kohli has he punched a blistering cover drive for four off Hazlewood to get off the mark.