Virat Kohli's India won the toss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and elected to bat first against Australia on the Boxing Day Test match. The pitch at the MCG looked pretty flat on the outset and batting first was the choice both the captains wanted to take. Two new Indian openers, Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal came to the crease. They were the third Indian opening pair to open for India in Test. Vijay Merchant and Hindlekar were the last new Indian opening pair to do so in 1936. Both the openers lasted for 18.5 overs. The last time the Indian opening pair lasted for more than 20 overs was way back in 2010 at Centurion with Sehwag and Gambhir. Agarwal was dismissed on 76, making him the second highest scorer by an Indian opener on debut in an away Test. Sudhir Naik still holds the record of the highest scorer on debut in an away Test. Virat Kohli was dropped by Tim Paine in the last overs of the day of the bowling of Mitch Stark. But before that, Virat Kohli became the second highest International run getter against Australia. The highest runs is still being held by Sachin Tendulkar. Cheteshwar Pujara on the other hand, remained solid as rock and got his third fifty of the series. He has also faced more than 700 balls in the series which is nowhere close to the close second Virat Kohli who has faced close to 500 balls. At the end of day's play, India are 215/2. Pujara is batting on 68 and Kohli on 47.
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