Warner out for duck in Boxing Day Test

Australia have been rattled early in the Boxing Day Test against India, with explosive opener David Warner dismissed for a duck.

The home side won the toss and elected to bat first in the annual MCG spectacle, but got off to the worst possible start when Warner edged a ball to slips in the second over.

Warner had battled a thumb injury to be fit for the match.

His opening partner Chris Rogers had earlier endured an agonising start to his innings after being hit in the box in the first over.

Rogers inexplicably chose to leave a ball that careened into his crotch at almost 140km/h, causing him to bend over in pain for almost a minute.

Australia will reclaim the Border-Gavaskar trophy if they draw or win the Test and stand-in captain Steve Smith had no hesitation in batting first.

"It looks a pretty good track so hopefully we can start well this morning," Smith said.

India counterpart MS Dhoni admitted he would have made the same decision on what looks a pristine batting wicket.

"We were looking to bat first, but I feel the first hour will be crucial," Dhoni said.

"It's important we bowl well in the first hour, but I feel the wicket will be quite the same and every morning there will be a bit in it for the fast bowlers."

Australia made two changes to the XI that defeated India by four wickets in Brisbane.

Debutant Joe Burns and Ryan Harris replaced injured allrounder Mitch Marsh and dropped paceman Mitchell Starc.

Burns, who will bat at No.6, was presented with baggy green No.441 before play by Bill Lawry.

India also made two changes, with Mohammed Shami and debutant KL Rahul coming into the side for Varun Aaron and Rohit Sharma.