Australia have steadied the ship after a nervy start thanks to step-in skipper Steven Smith on the first day of their third Test, putting the hosts on 259-5 against India.
The Baggy Greens started the day badly as they saw David Warner dismissed for a duck, without any runs scored.
As the injured captain Michael Clarke sat out, he saw Smith put on an inspired display to lead the team, as he scored 72 not out at the close, continuing his consistent performances from the previous two Test against India.
Both Chris Rogers (57) and Shane Watson (52) chipped in with half-centuries, putting 115 runs on the board before both were dismissed.
Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami both managed to grab two wickets each to give the visitors something to build on before the second day of the Test.
India could be without Shami, however, as the bowler received treatment for an injury late on in the day.
The visitors have not won at the ground in Melbourne for the last 33 years, as Australia look to take a 3-0 lead in the four-match series.
