Pune, Feb 23 (IANS): Pacer Mitchell Starc's unbeaten half century lifted Australia to 256/9 at stumps on the opening day of the first Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here on Thursday.

At stumps, Starc was unbeaten on 57 runs from 58 balls with fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood giving him company on one off 31 deliveries.

Tottering at 205/9, Starc's fiery strokeplay helped him raise a undefeated 51-run last wicket stand with Hazlewood to take the Australians past the 250-run mark.

Earlier, pacer Umesh Yadav scripted Australia's downfall with figures of 4/32, while the spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin (2/59), Ravindra Jadeja (2/74) and Jayant Yadav (1/58) shared five wickets between themselves as the visitors lost five wickets for just 56 runs in the third session.

Brief Scores: Australia: 1st innings 356/9 (Matt Renshaw 68, Mitchell Starc 57 not out, David Warner 38, Steve Smith 27, Umesh Yadav 4/32, Ravichandran Ashwin 2/59, Ravindra Jadeja 2/74) vs India.