BANGALORE, (Reuters) – The second and final test between India and Australia was heading for a gripping climax after bowlers dominated the fourth day yesterday.
The Indian spinners reduced Australia to 202 for seven at the close, with Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Hauritz facing the task of extending a slender lead of 185 runs for the touring side who lost the first test by one wicket.
Captain Ricky Ponting made a defiant 72 to hold the innings together before falling to Zaheer Khan in the final session.
The tourists were let down by their top order which struggled against Indian spinners Pragyan Ojha and Harbhajan Singh.
Ojha removed in-form opener Shane Watson, Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey, while Harbhajan accounted for Simon Katich and Marcus North.
“I’m not satisfied. I will be satisfied if we can get them out early tomorrow and get those runs,” Ojha told Neo Cricket channel.
“Whatever they got is gettable but we have to bat sensibly tomorrow. The wicket is turning,” said the left-arm spinner.
India resumed on a commanding 435 for five and Sachin Tendulkar cruised to his sixth test double century before falling for 214.
Tendulkar, who hit two sixes and 22 fours, became debutant Peter George’s first test victim when he dragged a delivery on to his stumps and Hauritz polished off the tail as India slumped to 495 all out.
“There was not much in this wicket, so we found other ways to create opportunity and take chances,” George said.
“We have three wickets in hand, we’ll try to get as many runs as possible tomorrow and bowl them out to win the match.”