Australia v India 2014/15 - 3rd Test, Day 1, Lunch: Chris Rogers, Shane Watson lead Aussie recovery after early loss of David Warner

Chris Rogers continued his good form from the second Test

Melbourne, Dec 26 - A 92-run unbroken second-wicket partnership helped Australia consolidate their position after losing a wicket early to reach 92 for one at lunch on day one of the third Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here Wednesday.

Opener Chris Rogers was batting at 46 while No.3 batsman Shane Watson is giving him company at 41. Australia's other opener, the in-form David Warner, was out for 0.

India began the proceedings with a bang as pacer Umesh Yadav picked up the dangerous David Warner even before Australia managed to open their account.

The early loss, coupled with some disciplined bowling from the Indian pacers, forced the Australians to start sedately, allowing just 8 runs from five overs.

Opener Chris Rogers then hit a few boundaries in quick succession to help the hosts increase the run rate.

After the initial period of caution and circumspection, both Rogers and Watson settled down comfortably and unleashed some great shots.

India got a chance to break the partnership just at the stroke of lunch but failed to latch on to it. Watson, under pressure for his poor batting form, edged a Mohammed Shami delivery but was grassed by a diving Shikhar Dhawan at second slip.

Australia

Chris Rogers batting 46

David Warner c Dhawan b Yadav 0

Shane Watson batting 41

Extras (b 1, lb 4) 5

Total (for one wicket in 28 overs) 92

Bowling

Ishant Sharma 8-2-23-0

Umesh Yadav 8-1-30-1

Mohammed Shami 7-1-30-0

Ravichandran Ashwin 5-2-4-0