Ranchi, Mar 16 (IANS): Skipper Steven Smith led the way with a half-century as Australia posted 194/4 at tea on the opening day of their third cricket Test against India at the JSCA International Stadium here on Thursday.

Smith was batting on 80 runs with Glenn Maxwell on 19 at the other end when the teams when in at the break.

With Australia losing three wickets in the first session, Smith and Maxwell helped to steady the boat with an unbeaten 54-run stand.

Smith hit nine boundaries during his 161-ball stay in the middle while Maxwell -- usually an attacking batsman -- played cautiously, hitting only two boundaries in the 47 deliveries he has faced so far.

Fast bowler Umesh Yadav was in excellent form, returning figures of 2/54 while left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja and star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked up a wicket each for India.

Brief scores:

Australia (First Innings): 194/4 (Steven Smith 80 batting, Matt Renshaw 44) vs India.