India gained a pivotal 86-run lead over Australia as the third day of the fourth test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy concluded. Australia batted the day out and the end result was not what they would have wanted. They desperately need to win the game if they want to keep the Border-Gavaskar Trophy whereas India can sit pretty with a draw. Already 1-0 high in the series, India looks favorites in this match too.

Australia started the game from the overnight score of 189-2. Simon Katich and Michael Hussey had added 115 to the total yesterday and looked set to push Australia as they both neared individual century and fifty respectively. Katich survived a drop chance at 94 off Dravid’s hands. That cost India another 8 runs before Zaheer dismissed him at 102. The rate of scoring was stifled which became evident as Australia added only another 42 runs in the morning session. Hussey slowly crept to 90, almost furtively before he went at 265. Shane Watson was dismissed at 266 and Australia looked in trouble at a loss of 6 wickets for a paltry sum. Brad Haddin and Cameron White balanced the innings as they added 52 runs to the total.

Australia looked completely under control today. Dhoni employed defensive tactics for his pacemen and they could surely not cope up. The tightness of the noose is clear by the fact that the visitors could score only 166 runs in 86.4 overs. India gained control of the match as they lost 7 wickets in a space of 100 runs.

Jason Krejza became Ishant Sharma’s 13th victim in the series and the second in this match. Harbhajan finished at 3-94 which included wickets of Hussey and Katich. Second test’s star performer Amit Mishra claimed 2 for 58.

After Johnson was sent back by Mishra, India had one over to bat in the day which they gave away. Australia will try their hardest to bowl out the hosts for as quickly and for as small a target as possible. Another concern is Brett Lee who complained of nausea and dehydration today. He is definitely needed tomorrow if Australia wants to keep the fight on.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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