Indian openers KL Rahul and Murali Vijay led India’s fightback on day two of the third Test against Australia at Ranchi on Friday.

The duo put on an opening stand of 91 before Rahul was caught behind for 67 off a superb bouncer from Pat Cummins, who is returning to Test cricket after more than five years.

The hosts did not lose any more wickets, ending the day on 120/1 with Vijay unbeaten on 42.

Earlier in the day, Australia were bowled out for 451 as Steve Smith carried on from where he had left off on Thursday, remaining unbeaten on 178 at the end of the innings.

Glenn Maxwell notched up his first Test hundred – showing a great deal of patience during his knock of 104 which came from 185 deliveries.

Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the Indian bowlers – picking up a five-wicket haul and executing a brilliant no-look run-out to get rid of Josh Hazlewood. Umesh Yadav chipped in with three wickets for the home side.

BRIEF SCORES

Australia 451 all out [Smith 178*, Maxwell 104, Jadeja 5/124] lead India 120/1 [Rahul 67, Vijay 42*, Cummins 1/22] by 331 runs.