Pujara continues fine form as India make solid start in Sydney

Cheteshwar Pujara continued his irresistible form Down Under as he struck his third century of the series to put on top after the first day of the fourth and final Test against Australia in Sydney.

Pujara hit 130 not out as India, who only need a draw in the final Test to win their first ever series in Australia, reached stumps on 303/4.

Hanuma Vihari was at the crease with Pujara on 39 with the pair already putting on 75 for the fifth wicket by the close.

Opener Mayank Agarwal, playing only his second Test, scored 77 and put on 116 for the second wicket with Pujara after the early loss of KL Rahul (9).

India skipper Virat Kohli looked good for his 23 but he was caught by Tim Paine off Josh Hazlewood.

Hazlewood finished the day with figures of 2-51 in 20 overs while Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon took a wicket apiece.

Australia, who need to win the Test, made two changes to their XI with Marnus Labuschagne and Peter Handscomb replacing Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh.