Australia have made a strong start to the third Test match against India in Mohali, posting 109 in the first session without loss.

After captain Michael Clarke won the toss openers David Warner and Ed Cowan built a century stand, with Warner passing 50 for the seventh time in his career.

The Indian bowlers toiled away in an unsuccessful first session, which lasted 36 overs.

Australia made four changes to their team for the game, following the dropping of four senior players, including vice-captain Shane Watson.

Steven Smith, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon all came into the side at the expense of Matthew Wade, Glenn Maxwell, James Pattinson and Watson.