Paceman Mitchell Starc scores fifty against India

Australia’s Mitchell Starc plays a shot as India’s Ajinkya Rahane (L), Wriddhiman Saha (2L) and Murali Vijay (R) look on during the first day of the first Test cricket match between India and Australia at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium in Pune on February 23, 2017

Pune, India (Reuters): Paceman Umesh Yadav claimed four wickets on a pitch that offered big turn to help India restrict Australia to 256 for nine after the touring side had made a solid start on the opening day of the four-match series on Thursday.

Paceman Mitchell Starc, who would be expected by Australia to play a role similar to that of Umesh with the ball, smashed an unbeaten 57 to frustrate the hosts and take his team past 250.

Earlier, David Warner made 38 and added 82 for the first wicket with Matt Renshaw after Captain Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat against a spin-heavy India.