India fightback after Smith's epic knock

Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell celebrates his century during the second day of the third Test against India in Ranchi yesterday. Photo: AFP

All-rounder Glenn Maxwell hailed his "awesome" skipper Steve Smith after the duo's 191-run partnership helped Australia post a formidable first innings total against India in the third Test in Ranchi Friday.

Maxwell, returning to the five-day side after nearly three years in the wilderness, cracked his maiden Test century on day two but it was Smith's unbeaten 178 that was the bedrock of the tourists' 451.

Opener Lokesh Rahul led India's strong reply in the final session with the hosts ending the day on 120 for one. India still trail the visitors by 331 runs.

Murali Vijay (42) and Cheteshwar Pujara (10) were batting at the break after Rahul was out caught behind for 67 off fast bowler Pat Cummins.

Rahul, who hit 9 fours in his 102-ball stay, registered his fourth fifty of the series to put on 91 runs with opening partner Vijay.

But it was the epic partnership between Smith and Maxwell that steered Australia to the highest total of the series so far after the visitors resumed the day on 299-4.

"I think we were 4-140 and luckily I had Steve at the other end who is quite experienced," Maxwell told reporters.

"He probably lifts the team to another level because he makes the game look so easy.

"So he's a guy that people feed off. And he's a very inspirational leader with the way he's gone about his career," Maxwell said of his skipper who is the world's top-ranked Test batsman.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja claimed his eighth five-wicket haul in his 29th match to return with figures of 5-124.

Jadeja ran out last man Josh Hazlewood (0) to deny Smith the chance of posting the second double century in his 53rd match of his career.

Smith though registered the highest score by an Australian captain on Indian soil after surpassing Michael Clarke's 130 in Chennai in the 2012-13 series.

It was an especially satisfying innings for the Australian captain after the build-up to the match had been dogged by accusations that he had systematically abused the decision review system (DRS) in the last Test.

The 28-year-old Maxwell set the tone for Australia's continued dominance with his first Test ton in just his fourth game since making his debut in 2013.

The right-handed allrounder, known for his explosive limited-overs exploits, was delighted to make an impression in the five-day format.

"I was so happy to be able to walk back on the field with the Australian Test team with the Baggy Green cap on," said an elated Maxwell.

“I know how bad it felt when I played that last game in Dubai (in 2014) and didn't play again... I just wanted to make it count, every opportunity I get."

India's plight was deepened by the absence of skipper Virat Kohli who has been off the field since Thursday afternoon with an injured shoulder.

While vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane stood in as skipper, Kohli is expected to don the pads and bat in what remains a crucial Test for the hosts.

SCORES IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIA: First innings 451 (Renshaw 44, Smith 178 not out, Maxwell 104, Wade 37, O'Keefe 25; Yadav 3-106, Jadeja 5-124)

INDIA: First innings 129 for 1 (Rahul 67, Vijay 42 not out; Cummins 1-22)