Review block sees early controversy

India's rejection of the decision review system in their Australian series provoked its first controversy Monday as the home side lost late wickets on the opening day of the first Test.

The Australians stumbled from 205 for three with three wickets tumbling in 18 balls to finish the day at 277 for six with Brad Haddin on 21 and Peter Siddle not out 34.

But the first day of the four-Test series before a 70,068 Boxing Day crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was marred by the contentious dismissal of senior batsman Michael Hussey.

Hussey fell for his third Test golden duck in eight innings and was disgusted to be given out after replays appeared to show the delivery from Zaheer Khan had brushed his sleeve and not his bat. Hussey was prevented from referring the umpire's verdict to the video umpire as the Indian cricket board has refused to use the Decision Review System in the series over concerns about the accuracy of electronic aids.

It could prove a career-ending dismissal for Hussey, whose future in the Australian team is increasingly under threat amid a run of low scores.

Debutant opener Ed Cowan anchored the Australian innings with a stoic 68 in almost five hours and the best part of 68 overs after skipper Michael Clarke had won the toss.

Australia were in a strong position before paceman Zaheer Khan, playing in his first Test match since July, removed Clarke and Hussey with consecutive deliveries.

SCORECARD

Australia 1st innings 

E. Cowan c Dhoni b Ashwin		68
D. Warner c Dhoni b Yadav		37
S. Marsh c Kohli b Yadav		 0
R. Ponting c Laxman b Yadav		62
M. Clarke b Z Khan			31
M. Hussey c Dhoni b Z Khan		 0
B. Haddin not out			21
P. Siddle not out			34
Extras (lb21 w2 nb1)			24
Total (for 6 wickets;	89 overs)      277

Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-46, 3-159, 4-205, 5-205, 6-214

Bowling: Zaheer Khan 23-5-49-2 (1w, 1nb), 
	 Sharma 20-6-40-0, 
	 Yadav 20-4-96-3 (1w), 
	 Ashwin 26-2-71-1