Will Pucovski scores 62 on Test debut, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith rediscover form on day one of SCG Test

Australia’s batsmen have had a rare positive day in their series against India, with debutant Will Pucovski and Marnus Labuschagne leading the way on a rain-shortened first day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

With a top score of 200 in the first four innings of the series, Australia’s top order finally turned up in the third Test, with Pucovski getting a half-century in his first outing, while Labuschagne rediscovered something resembling his form from last summer to lead Australia to 2-166 at stumps.

The 100-run partnership between Pucovski (62) and Labuschagne (67 not out) — Australia’s first for the summer — was a welcome sight for the hosts, after David Warner’s much-hyped return from injury underwhelmed.

The veteran opener was at…