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Bangalore - Australia made a brisk start in the second and final Test against India on Saturday, reaching 95 for no loss by lunch on the opening day.
Shane Watson was unbeaten on 54, his third successive half-century in the series, and opening partner Simon Katich was on 39 after the two-hour morning session at the Chinnaswamy stadium.
Ricky Ponting's tourists are seeking a series-levelling win after losing the dramatic first Test in Mohali by one wicket.
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni lost the toss for the 10th successive time and was asked to field on a slow, moisture-laden pitch in overcast conditions.
Watson, who made 126 and 56 in the first Test, made light of the heavy conditions to build on his good form with nine boundaries.
He began by smashing two consecutive fours in seamer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth's first over and glided the other new-ball bowler Zaheer Khan for two boundaries to third man.
Left-hander Katich was content to play second-fiddle, helping himself to six fours by lunch.
India's Venkatsai Laxman was ruled out of the Test after failing to recover fully from back spasms suffered during his match-winning knock of 73 not out at Mohali.
Laxman was replaced by debutant Cheteshwar Pujara, while opener Murali Vijay and Sreesanth came in for the injured duo of Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma.
Australia awarded a Test cap to lanky fast bowler Peter George, who replaced the injured Doug Bollinger.
