Captain Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell put together an unbeaten 159-run partnership to put Australia in a strong position at 299/4 at the end of the first day in the third Test in Ranchi on Thursday.

On a pitch which played far better than many thought it would, Australia got off to a good start but lost three quick wickets in the first session. They lost Shaun Marsh as well but that was when Glenn Maxwell, into the team for the injured Mitchell Marsh, entered the fray. He started off slowly but soon got the scoreboard ticking as Australia turned the screws. Maxwell finished the day on 82 but it was Smith’s century that really made it Australia’s day.

India were hamstrung by the loss of Virat Kohli who went off clutching his shoulder after diving to save a ball from going to the boundary. He was spotted taking ice-packs on his right shoulder but did not come out to bat.

Here’s how the day played out:

4.35 pm: And that’s the day. Australia 299/4 and emphatically it’s been their day. Spearheaded by captain Steve Smith who has put together a brilliant, gritty unbeaten 117, his 19th century overall and his second in India.

Smith’s partnership with Maxwell has been outstanding. 159 runs put together and the two have ensured that Australia did not lose any wickets in the last session. It’s been uncharacteristic innings of 82 from Maxwell but one which will define him for years to come.

The worst moment of the day, if you’re an Indian fan?

Come on, now, put a smile back on your face. Here’s Saha, desperate to get to the ball.

4.30 pm: Finally, late in the day, Umesh Yadav tests Glenn Maxwell two bouncers in a row but concedes the single at the end. Australia 298/4.

Good day for Australian players named smith. Cameron Smith won Melbourne Storm the game against Brisbane Broncos 14-12 in the National Rugby League with a last minute try and touchline conversion.

4.25 pm: Poor fielding from KL Rahul at third-man, he can’t get down in time and concedes the boundary late in the day. The wheels falling off for India here. Maxwell moves into the 80s. Australia 297/4.

Harsha Bhogle loves Smith bat but even he can’t resist nudging the conversation back to the dead horse, sorry, the pitch.

4.20 pm: Still solid from Maxwell. The new ball has been taken and the partnership is 150. Australia 290/4.

One thing that has stood out in this knock from Smith is his sheer lack of expression. He’s been focused, not reacting, not emoting. Just sheer bloody-minded genius. Considering the entire DRS saga from last week, it’s like he’s deliberately switched off. Top batting, have to give it to him.

4.18 pm: Nine runs off the over for Australia off Ashwin. First a sweep by Smith and then byes. It’s getting bad for India at the fag end of this day. Australia 288/4.

Another issue. A previous catch’s replay was just shown. Maxwell had padded off Jadeja. India didn’t review. Turns out there was some glove involved. O...k....

4.13 pm: The partnership is now 139 and it’s the best partnership of this series. Maxwell content to play out a maiden from Umesh Yadav there with the old ball. Fifteen more minutes left till the end of the session. Australia 279/4.

Let’s put our hands together for Smith, right? Fantastic knock.

4.04 pm: He’s done it. What a fantastic century, Steve Smith. Take a bow. Comes down the ground, and smashes Murali Vijay down. His second century of the series and till now he’s the only player to score a century. What brilliant batting. Australia 272/4.

3.57 pm: Back to cricket. Can you hear the big show? He’s just extended his arm and smashed Jadeja over his head again for a big six. Immediately cramps and calls for the physio after that. Australia 266/4.

3.53 pm: Loads of jokes on the theme of Saha catching balls going around but suffice to say, none of them can be carried here. :P

3.50 pm: Some comedy happening there. Ball was stuck between Smith’s legs and Saha lunged for it. Smith fell on the ground and everyone was in splits, except Smith. Umpire Gould cracked up and called it dead ball. Too funny. Australia 257/4.

3.47 pm: Desperation from Rahane? He throws the ball to Murali Vijay. The first ball, a loosener, is smashed away for a boundary by Maxwell. He runs two off the next over. Eight runs off the over. Australia 257/4.

3.40 pm: This is a bit of Maxwell we’ve seen in the IPL. Swivels on his back foot and pulls away for a boundary. The fielder ran the wrong way. Australia 249/4. Smith on 96.

3.35 pm: Interesting stats here, as Maxwell defends stolidly. 243/4. Indicates his patience and his willingness to play the long game.

Finally, some sense...

3.27 pm: A ball change as we take a moment and soak it in. The partnership is 102 right now and it’s taken Australia out of 140/4. Glenn Maxwell has played an innings which few expected of him. Solid in defence, nudging the singles and getting to his first 50 in fine style, with a six.

How Kohli must be feeling inside that dressing room.

Damn, why did I have to chase that ball.

3.22 pm: SIX from Maxwell and it brings up his first 50 in Test cricket. Rocks ball after stepping out twice and dispatches it over mid-wicket. Great batting and the partnership is also 102. Australia 242/4.

Wow, almost a 60 percent chance of India winning, says CricViz.

3.18 pm: Maxwell moves to 44 with just his second boundary of the innings. Jadeja beat his edge last over but it’s largely been very untroubled. The partnership is nearing 100 now. Australia 234/4.

The latest update on the man of the moment...even when he’s off the field.

They deserve this praise:

3.13 pm: The partnership is going 86 now. What a good partnership it is. Who would have expected Glenn Maxwell to turn up? Australia reach 226/4.

My colleague Zenia has just the right questions...

3.07 pm: Steve Smith moves into his 90s with a nice drive against the spin from Ashwin. Australia 222/4, Steve Smith 92.

He’s not even playing and Australia can’t forget Mitch Marsh.

3.03 pm: Ashwin around the wicket but can’t put the pressure. Jadeja next over bowls it much quicker. Maxwell, just about, gets his bat down in time. Does manage to slice away for a three. Smith gets off the dreaded 87 with a single. Australia 216/4.

Fair point. There was one chance off Smith to Jadeja in the over before. India can’t go on the defensive here.

Oh yeah. They are really praising Maxwell.

2.55 pm: It’s quiet out there but the runs are still coming for Australia, albeit in a drip. They’re 210/4. 16 runs in 6 overs after tea.

How Australian fans are feeling now that Kohli is off the field and Smith is still out there batting:

2.46 pm: Sickly sweet! Maxwell hits Jadeja cleanly over his head for his first boundary. Apart from that, no cause for worry. Ishant and Jadeja aren’t causing problems. Rahane needs another plan and he needs one now. Australia 210/4.

2.41 pm: Another brain-fade from Steve Smith to Jadeja and he almost lost his wicket. Down the ground, didn’t reach the pitch of the ball, went through and was lucky the ball didn’t carry to mid-on. Glenn Maxwell guides away another double on off the next over off Ishant and Australia cross 200. They’re 202/4.

2.36 pm: We’re off and Steve Smith kicks of proceedings with a nice back-foot push for four. Such beautiful hands. Australia 198/4.

And the big news...

2.10 pm: Tea it is. Maxwell pads away outside leg-stump and Australia go to tea at 194/4. 85 runs this session in 30 overs, a notch below three runs an over. Maxwell has shown admirable resilience in his 50-ball 19 and the partnership is currently 54. Australia will be pleased they got through the session with the loss of just one wicket.

The moment of the session was Kohli’s injury. India’s energy levels dipped a little when it happened. But hopefully the captain will come out after tea.

2.05 pm: Last few minutes before tea. Australia have bucked the trend admirably and been restrained so far. Don’t think Kohli will come out anymore now, will wait for the next session. Smith is putting together another gem and is on 80 currently. Australia 194/4.

2.02 pm: There was a bit of confusion over where India had lost the review due to the no-ball but it’s confirmed now that India hasn’t lost the review. Fair, because it’s not India’s fault that the umpire didn’t call the no-ball. Jadeja conceded two off that over, partnership turns 50. Australia 190/4.

Maxi winning over critics? Think i jinxed him now.

1.58 pm: REVIEW and Ishant, what have you done there? He’s bowled a no-ball, so nothing holds there. Smith cut a nice boundary last over off Ashwin. A misfield grants Australia another single. Come on, India, you need to be sharper. Australia move to 188/4.

Here’s the Kohli injury in video. He’s currently munching on a biscuit but has his shirt on.

1.47 pm: Steady and slow batting from Maxwell. He’s move on to 13 from 35 so far. The partnership is 35. There does seem to be a palpable loss of energy from India after Kohli went off. Australia 176/4.

Wow, India have a 70 percent chance of winning.

One of my favourite Maxwell innings. He was in some form in the UAE leg of that edition of the IPL.

Play

1.43 pm: Australia get a busy over from Ashwin with Smith and Maxwell taking four off that over. Jadeja also gives away four. Good to see that Australia aren’t getting bogged down. 171/4, Smith 67.

Last half an hour before tea. Australia have developed a habit of losing wickets and momentum before the session break. They have to stop it this time. Can they?

I doubt that’s coming anytime soon, but.

1.35 pm: Jadeja back into the attack and concedes just two runs off that over. Maxwell has switched to the baggy greens. Smith solid as a rock. Australia 163/4.

53 runs have come in 21 overs in this session so far. That’s a run rate of less than 3 compared to how briskly Australia were scoring in the first session. And it’s already given them a key little wicket.

Rahane will do 1 and 3. Not so sure if he’ll do 2.

1.30 pm: India have been really good in their DRS calls...not reviewing very close ones and then being justified in doing so. On the other hand, Steve Smith is in a Zen-like mode. Kohli is still in the dressing room and he doesn’t have an ice-pack now. But he’s clutching his shoulder still and the physio is getting another one ready. Steve Smith jams out another yorker and acknowledges Umesh Yadav for his skill. Australia 159/4.

If you missed it, here’s how Kohli got injured.

1.20 pm: Kohli still has the ice-pack in the dressing room. Trying to shadow-practice a cover drive. Meanwhile Smith and Maxwell take three singles. Australia 157/4.

Yup, you’re excused, mate.

On song, Maxwell can put on a big show. And when not on song, then err...

1.15 pm: The 150 comes up for Australia and it’s drinks. Steve Smith gets a neat leg-glance boundary and moves on to 58. Australia 151/4. Maxwell hasn’t done anything outrageous...yet.

Praise for Umesh Yadav. He richly deserves it. India’s best pacer in the last six months (Sorry, Shami).

Signs not good for Glenn Maxwell, despite how devastating he can be. Ashwin was brought back immediately after he came out.

1.10 pm: Yet again Australia throw away the momentum just when it looked like they had gained it. Been the story of their batting in this series. Ravichandran Ashwin back into the attack and gives away three runs. Australia 143/4.

India have been criticised for their DRS use this series but they’ve been on point this innings:

1.04 pm: WICKET for Umesh Yadav! What a yorker! In-swinging yorker which hits Handscomb plumb in front. Another promising partnership comes to an end. What a delivery from Umesh! Australia 140/4.

Also, Steve Smith got to his half-century the ball before that. Now he really needs to kick on.

1.00 pm: FIFTY partnership between Smith and Handscomb. Comes off 100 balls. Slow but steady. Australia 139/3.

12.55 pm: Kohli is getting an ice-pack on the injured shoulder in the dressing room. Handscomb used his hands expertly to cut away for a boundary off Umesh Yadav in that over. Australia 137/3.

12.50 pm: Ishant Sharma ruins a good over by getting Steve Smith’s edge and conceding a boundary. Oh oh. Virat Kohli is clutching his shoulder. He spiritedly ran after the ball to the boundary next over from Jadeja, dived and pulled it back but immediately clutched his right shoulder. He’s back on the field. Physio is out and he walks off. Ajinkya Rahane takes over captaincy duties. Australia 132/3, Steve Smith 48.

They’re also singing the Addams Family tune in the commentary box, by the way. Supposedly Brett Lee thought India’s physio resembled a character from the cartoon. Yeah. Yes. This:

Play

12.43 pm: Just one four from Australia after lunch. Things have tightened up. It was this flow of maidens which took the wheels out of Australia in Bengaluru. They’re 125/3.

#IshantGameFace is a thing it seems.

12.36 pm: Steve Smith flicks one through covers to get four on Jadeja’s first ball of the over. We have seen a fast outfield here in Ranchi and even push is rushing to the boundary. Smith plays out the rest of the over and takes a single off the last ball to keep strike. Australia 123/3.

12.32 pm: Two tight overs from India with Jadeja giving 2 and Ishant bowling an almost maiden, with the last ball bringing 2 runs, thanks to a misfield from Vijay at cover. Australia 118/3.

12.23 pm: Virat Kohli let it rip at Murali Vijay there after the latter misfielded at mid-on and let a easy single go. A much quieter start to the session. Ishant Sharma gets one to hold its line and beats Peter Handscomb’s bat. Five runs in three overs after lunch. Australia 114/3.

12.15 pm: Ishant Sharma kicks off proceedings after lunch. Starts off with a maiden. Australia stay on 109/3.

12.00 noon: Most pundits reckon it’s been India’s session:

Australian fans are turning on the other Marsh brother:

11.30 am: LUNCH. India’s session. Three wickets on a pitch which looks much better for batting. They will take it. Australia will be disappointed to go in at 109/3. Matt Renshaw’s wicket was key, he looked so good in his 44. Steve Smith is still out there on 34.

Ravindra Jadeja’s reflexes are worth watching. This catch was brilliant:

I’d still give the session to India.

Yup. Absolutely.

11.27 am: Umesh Yadav bowling a fantastic spell. Lots of reverse swing on offer and the batsman are just keeping it out. Steve Smith is key here....when is he not? So much pressure. Australia 106/3.

Just a few minutes before lunch. This should have been Australia’s session - they got off to a good start, looked comfortable and the pitch was doing absolutely nothing. But there were two brain fades which destroyed the momentum - Warner hitting a full-toss back to Jadeja and Renshaw’s poke outside off-stump. And now Australia are three down.

11.22 am: Handscomb hits a four off the first ball and has come out with good intent. Australia move to 96/3. But the tables have turned and it started with that Renshaw dismissal. Umesh Yadav is getting reverse swing. Ashwin is getting into his groove. Australia have gifted away a great little start.

11.13 am: WICKET! This is brilliant for India. Ravichandran Ashwin gets Shaun Marsh out bat-pad with Pujara taking a good catch. Umpire Ian Gould was unmoved but India reviewed and reviewed well. This is a lucky break for them. Australia 89/3.

11.08 am: Smith and Marsh tick over and take Australia to 88/2. But Australia have given India an opening into the match. Two wickets down in the first session on such a promising pitch.

Harsha Bhogle has a few things to say for those who were condemning the pitch.

11.00 am: GONE! Renshaw throws it away! He pokes around off-stump and gets an edge. Kohli takes a sharp catch at first slip! Australia 80/2.

Have to say that was great bowling and poor batting. You could see the trap, Umesh bowling around the wicket. Renshaw even got an edge which didn’t carry one ball before that. Just poking around and throws it away after such a good start.

10.58 am: Ashwin back on the end from which Jadeja got that explosion. The one thing happening on this pitch is that the ball is stopping. Renshaw moves into the forties. Australia 78/1.

Great observation and something which India did very well in Bengaluru:

10.49 am: Alright! Things happening. Jadeja gets one to explode off the pitch, turns back in, nicks Renshaw’s pad and goes to slip. No review from India. Man, massive turn there was. So that’s what it’ll be. A slow burner. Good toss to win, very good. Australia 76/1.

More DRS sledging

10.45 am: Nothing much to report. Jadeja and Ashwin are keeping things tight but not much else happening. Renshaw almost in his 40s now. No real turn. Australia 75/1.

Will we still be saying that if things peter out into a high-scoring draw?

We are playing in Ranchi remember, the home of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

10.38 am: Smith came down the ground beautifully and got a boundary off Jadeja in the over just after drinks. Ashwin wheels through the next over and concedes just a single. Not very threatening pitch, but will it stay like this throughout? Australia 69/1 off 17.

10.30 am: The first drinks break of the Test. And Australia go in at 64/1 in 15 overs.

One thing Australia have done well is they haven’t got bogged down. The pitch looks far easier than Bengaluru and Pune. They really shouldn’t have lost that Warner wicket.

Man, talk about beating a dead horse...

10.28 am: Jadeja is steady with just one run off his over. Steve Smith looks a little edgy, in a bit of a hurry. Wonder why? DRS-Gate still playing on him? Ashwin was hit for another fantastic boundary by Renshaw. Australia 61/1.

Warner will be disappointed. The talk about him being a flat-track bully continues:

10.21 am: Despite the wicket, Jadeja has been a little loose so far. Concedes a boundary next over. On the other hand, Australia can’t over-reach at the sight of a good batting wicket and get ahead of themselves, like Warner did. They’re 54/1.

How Kohli feels after getting Warner out for a placid full toss:

10.16 am: Ashwin is asking the most questions so far. Probing line, varying pace. He’s already got a bit of bounce. Could be the most dangerous bowler on this surface. Jadeja is in next over and he drags it very wide next over and Renshaw smashes it away again. But he strikes next ball! Warner hits a full toss straight back! Australia are 50/1.

Renshaw has looked in cruise control out there. Already six boundaries. Maybe it’s his ability to laugh every thing off?

10.10 am: Boom boom Warner. Finally gets the boundary away. Magnificent little cover drive to Umesh Yadav. Oh boy. 1000 runs against India up. Australia 44/0.

10.05 am: Finally, spin. A teady over from Ashwin. Warner blocked out four and managed to get a single away on the fifth to one which kept low. Did it hit a patch? Renshaw beautifully picks him away on the leg-side for four. How good is he looking? Australias 36/0 in 7 overs, run rate over 5.

10.00 am: Runs coming thick and fast for Australia now. That’s nine runs in the over, including a beautiful cover drive for four from Renshaw. Easy runs coming. Australia 31/0.

9.55 am: It’s been a busy start for Australia. Matt Renshaw, especially, has already hit four boundaries. Warner’s been content to take singles. The seamers haven’t provided too much trouble. Outfield looks fast. Good toss to win? Australia 22/0.

What about Pat Cummins, who’s come in to replace Mitchell Starc? He made a sterling debut against South Africa in 2011 but then has been plagued with injuries. He can be quite a handful though:

Play

Aussies can’t get off the pitch:

9.48 am: HUGE appeal from Ishant Sharma! He gets one to straighten and gets Renshaw in front. Umpire says no and India don’t review. Good call, it pitched outside leg-stump. Renshaw wristily flicks a boundary two balls later. There’s not a lot in this pitch. Australia 10/0.

Let’s have a look at Australia’s two key inclusions in this team. First there’s Maxwell. Everyone knows that he can be devastating in the limited-overs formats. But what about the longer form?

Play

Then he has “brain-fades” like this, as well...

9.45 am: Umesh Yadav gets one to rip off and beats Warner. But no more damage done. Australia 6/0.

The two captains shared a hand-shake at the toss. Nice to see after the mud-slinging that happened over the DRS controversy.

And a look at the key battles:

9.35 am: And we’re off. A quiet beginning, considering the fiery build-up. Ishant Sharma gets the first three to move away and the batsman Matt Renshaw won’t be tempted. He does get the batsman to play in the next two balls. Last ball is on the legs and Renshaw nicely flicks it away for a boundary. Australia 4/0.

First Test in Ranchi!

9.22 am: So you won’t fancy a bowl here, right, Shane?

In a previous tweet which he deleted, he called it the “worst pitch of the series”.

9.15 am: There’s been a lot of focus on the pitches this series...and for good reason. Pune was “poor”. Bengaluru was “below average”. And the early signs haven’t been promising for Ranchi.

See those dark patches?

It’s even been called a “mud monster”!

9.00 am: Welcome to the live coverage of the the first day of the third Test in Ranchi. And my, don’t we need the cricket?

DRS-Gate. Did Australia cheat? Are India lying? What’s happening? The interval since the end of the second Test and the start of the third has seen mud-slinging, comments and accusations. Things are still boiling over but hopefully, the shift back to cricket will help.

Toss time. Steve Smith wins the toss and chooses to bat (obviously). Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell are in.

Fresh start, says Virat Kohli. And Murali Vijay is back for Abhinav Mukund.