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Dhawan takes charge after Smith, Starc rescue act

Despite the first day's play being washed out, the third Test match between India and Australia, played at Mohali, is still proving to be an entertaining one.

- 'Garam' Dhawan decimates Australia

- Tracking 'destroyer' Dhawan's journey

- Fearless Dhawan gets rousing praise

Day 3 saw Australia's lower order launch a spirited fightback with the bat as Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc struck beautiful half-centuries.

Once the Aussie innings folded, it was time for the Indian openers to impress. And impress they did. Led by Shikhar Dhawan, who scored a splendid century on debut, India seized control of the match, as Australian bowlers were hammered to all parts of the ground.

We look at the players who shone on Day 3.

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan's batting was the highlight of the third day's play in Mohali. Opening the batting in his debut Test match, Dhawan went on the attack right from the start to notch up a brilliant century in his first ever innings in Test cricket.

He ended the day, after playing a blazing innings of 185 from a mere 168 balls, hitting 33 fours and two sixes that saw India dominate the day.

One of the many records he broke on the day was going past Gundappa Viswanath's score of 137 for a highest score by an Indian batsman on debut.

The Australian bowlers looked completely helpless against Dhawan's brilliant batting that saw him hitting boundaries at will to every corner of the ground.

The Delhi left-hander is still unbeaten and will be looking to add further more records when play resumes on day four.

Click NEXT to see the other Top Performers of the day...

Vijay proved perfect foil to Dhawan

Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay also played his part in helping India take control of the game. Vijay, also known for his attacking approach, sat back and enjoyed Dhawan's heroics from the other end.

Vijay cut down on his shot making and proved perfect foil to Dhawan.

The right-hander played a composed innings of 83 from 181 balls and for most part of his knock was content to play second fiddle.

Vijay's shot selection was top class and he chose his moments to attack the spinners, including the two sixes in a single over off Nathan Lyon.

Smith played positive against India spinners

Steven Smith

Steven Smith ended his two-year hiatus from Test cricket with a superb innings of 92 that took Australia to safety after they were reduced to 273 for seven at close on the second day.

Smith's recall was necessitated after Australia axed four players for indiscipline.

But he proved he could command a place in the side on his own as he put on 97 runs for the eighth wicket with Mitchell Starc to not only frustrate India on Day 3 but also take Australia towards a healthy total.

Smith started his career as a leg spinner but has become a specialist batsman in the last few years. He showed good footwork against the Indian spinners and adopted a positive approach right from the start.

Starc unlucky to miss his maiden Test century

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc may have disappointed with the ball like all Australian bowlers but he shone with the bat earlier in the day.

Batting at No. 9, Starc was unlucky to miss his maiden Test century by a whisker when he was caught behind off Ishant Sharma for 99.

Had he got that elusive run he would have become the first Australian to score a century at No. 9 in 66 years.

The left-hander, 23, hit 14 fours in 144 balls during his 146-minute stay at the crease.

Although he walked back disappointed, Starc said he was happy to have got at least 99 if not a hundred.