Melbourne - Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle shared an innings-steadying 63-run partnership to steer Australia to 277/6 at stumps on the opening day of the first Test after India had claimed three quick wickets after tea.
India paceman Zaheer Khan (2-43) bowled Australia captain Michael Clarke for 31 and had Mike Hussey controversially caught behind for a duck with the next ball to take the initiative from the home side at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday.
Opener Ed Cowan, who top-scored in his Test debut with a watchful 68 from 177 balls, became the third wicket to fall in just 19 deliveries when caught behind off Ravichandran Ashwin as Australia slid from 205/3 to 214/6.
Haddin was 21 with Siddle on 34 at stumps.
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