Opening batsman Ed Cowan made a half-century on his debut as Australia and India played out an even opening day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Cowan top scored for the Aussies with 68 while Ricky Ponting also contributed 62 as the hosts closed on 277-6.

Seamer Umash Yadav dismissed Ponting as part of his figures of 3-96 and also picked up the wickets of David Warner and Shaun Marsh.

Australia looked to be taking control of the game at 205-3 but two quick wickets from Zaheer Khan, including Mike Hussey for a golden duck, swung the first day in India's favour.

However, wicket-keeper batsman Brad Haddin [21*] and Peter Siddle [34*] added an unbeaten 63 for the seventh wicket as the hosts bounced back to ensure it was honours even heading into day two.