Big-hitting Kohli-Rahane combo guides India to comfortable 462-8 on day 3 of Melbourne Test

Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli knocked a splendid 169 while Ajinkya Rahane hit a solid 147 to guide the tourists to a respectable 462-8 at the draw of stumps on the third day of the third Test.

Kohli tormented Australian pace express Mitchell Johnson for 29 overs hitting 18 boundaries on his way to 169. However, the batsman finally fell prey to Johnson's express delivery as he was caught behind the wicket by a diving Brad Haddin.

After opener Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara fell cheaply on the start of the second day, Kohli and Rahane steadied the ship for India with their solid fourth wicket stand of 262 runs.

Rahane hit 21 boundaries on the way to his 147 off 171 deliveries before he was trapped lbw by off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

Debutant batsman Lokesh Rahul, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ravichandran Ashwin fell in quick succession failing to add any substantial amount to the Indian scoreline.

Rahul lost his wicket to Lyon's off-spin, while Dhoni fell prey to Ryan Harris, who also claimed Ashwin's wicket for a duck.

Returning pace bowler Harris, who scored 74 runs in Australia's first innings, claimed four wickets overall, that included three on day three.

Mohammad Shami remained unbeaten on nine runs and would resume batting on Monday for India with pace express Ishant Sharma.