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Steve Smith hits unbeaten century for Australia against India

Steve Smith's 19th Test century and Glenn Maxwell's breakthrough batting performance push Australia to 299-4 at stumps on day one of the third Test against India.

Steve Smith has struck an unbeaten century for Australia on day one of the third Test against India in Ranchi.

The tourists' captain (117*) played a patient knock and shared an unbeaten stand of 159 with Glenn Maxwell to help the Baggy Greens recover from 140-4 to close on 299-4.

It was Smith's 19th Test ton and second of the series, passing teammate David Warner's 18 and matching the mark of Australia legends Mark Taylor and Mike Hussey.

Meanwhile Maxwell's 82*, including two sixes, comfortably beat his previous Test best of 37, and he will be looking to reach triple figures himself on day two.

Australia made a positive start, having won the toss, and had raced to 50 before Warner (19) was caught and bowled by Ravindra Jadeja (1-80) in the 10th over.

Umesh Yadav then had Matt Renshaw caught at slip and Ravichandran Ashwin (1-78) removed Shaun Marsh (2) a couple of overs later.

A 51-run partnership between Smith and Peter Handscomb was then broken by Yadav (2-62) during the afternoon session, Handscomb (19) lbw in the 43rd over, before Smith and Maxwell saw their side through to stumps.

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Glenn Maxwell of Australia bats against India at Manuka Oval on January 20, 2016
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