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Starc difference could prove pivotal in Pune

Left-hander's rapid half-century in a crucial partnership with Josh Hazlewood brought some respectability to Australia's total

Mitchell Starc’s whirlwind lower-order cameo wrestled back a slice of momentum from India in an opening day that had, until that point, been dominated by the hosts.

Day One: Renshaw, Starc push Australia past 250

Australia finished day one of the first Test on 9-256 from 94 overs, but it could have been much worse if not for Starc’s brilliant final-session rear-guard knock.

Day wrap: Starc pushes Australia past 250

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia let a solid start slip through the cracks of the Pune pitch to be 6-190 when Starc strode the crease to partner opening batsman Matthew Renshaw, who had had spent two-and-a-half hours retired ill with an upset stomach during his knock.

However, in the blink of an eye, Renshaw, Stephen O’Keefe and Nathan Lyon were all dismissed, leaving Starc two options on a surface that was practically spinning square: hit out or get out.

Saha's screamer ends O'Keefe's short stay

Fortunately for the tourists, the lissom left-hander chose the former, crunching the potent Indian attack to all parts and rendering them to the role of spectators as he struck five fours and three meaty sixes in his unbeaten 58-ball knock of 57.

It’s the second time in three Tests that Starc has produced a half-century after he clobbered seven sixes in his 84 against Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test last December.

Quick Single: Renshaw reflects on sudden call of nature

During that innings at the MCG, the 27-year-old had the luxury of batting with skipper Steve Smith and together they combined for 154 from 172 deliveries.

In Pune on Thursday, Starc did most of his damage with his new-ball partner, close friend and No.11 batsman Josh Hazlewood.

Jadeja laughs off his latest horror delivery

When the pair brought up their 50-run stand, Hazlewood had contributed precisely one run, tied with extras, while Starc tallied 48.

Hazlewood was involved in a 54-run final wicket stand with allrounder Marcus Stoinis in a one-day international in Auckland last month, and on that occasion he contributed zero but, to be fair, didn’t face a single delivery.

Starc was on eight from 17 balls before he broke the shackles with a slog sweep over mid-wicket off Ravi Ashwin for six, the same area he peppered twice more for maximum reward.

Ashwin’s partner in crime, left-arm orthodox spinner Ravindra Jadeja, was also targeted by Starc, who hit the Indian for a brace of fours and his third six in the 88th over.

Warner gets a huge let off as Australia survive

Two more boundaries from the bowling of speedster Ishant Sharma brought up Test half-century No.9 and with it some respectability to a scorecard that features only two individual scores more than 40.

Renshaw, who top-scored with 68, says Starc’s knock surprised the visitors, who were preparing for a short stint in the field before the fireworks began.

"We were all sitting in our whites ready to go but we could hear the crowd (cheering)," Renshaw said.

'When you need to go, you need to go'

"We were trying to guess what was happening, whether it be a four or a play and miss.

"It was a really entertaining innings and it helped us massively."