Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Rohit Sharma excelled as India took firm control of the first Test of a four-match series against Australia in Nagpur on Thursday. This is Australia's first Test tour of India in 7 years and they are under pressure to end a losing streak of three successive series against the Indians. 

Rabindra Jadeja (5 for 47) and R Ashwin (3 for 42) were the destroyers mainly as India secured a dominating position on the opening day at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. After the Indian spin twin bowled Australia out for 177, Rohit Sharma led a strong Indian response with the bat.

At stumps on Day 1, India were 77 for 1, trailing Australia by 100 runs. Australia had something to cheer for in the penultimate over of the day's play as debutant Todd Murphy sent back KL Rahul, who lacked fluency, with a simple return catch. Rahul took his time to get going but as he was settling into his innings, lack of concentration cost him his wicket for 20 (71 balls).

Rohit Sharma remained unbeaten on 56 after getting to a free-flowing fifty and was joined by R Ashwin, who was sent in as a night-watchman after Rahul departed.