Advantage Australia

Fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus grabbed three key wickets in the final session to boost Australia's hopes of winning the opening Test against India on Monday. India, needing 216 to win in their second innings, were wobbling at 55-4 at stumps on the penultimate day, with Hilfenhaus finishing with 3-22 off seven sharp overs.




Aussies celebrating the wicket
of Dravid



The target seemed small enough, but if the hosts triumph it will be the fourth-highest successful chase in Tests in India. The loss of Gautam Gambhir to a dodgy lbw decision - Billy Bowden failed to spot an inside edge - in the first over from Hilfenhaus gave the Australians a spark. Rahul Dravid (13) was caught behind off paceman Doug Bollinger, while Virender Sehwag (17) and Suresh Raina (0) fell to short rising deliveries from Hilfenhaus. Sehwag was caught by Michael Hussey at gully, while Raina was caught by Marcus North in the slips

It left the Test finely balanced; India require 161 runs with Sachin Tendulkar at the crease on 10, and the night-watchman Zaheer on 5. Australia need six wickets, but they know that VVS Laxman, who batted at No. 10 in the first innings, would again be hampered by his bad back when he eventually comes to the crease. Much will depend on Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.

India has been left to blame themselves after having been in such a comfortable position during the tea break of day3. It will take a yeomans effort from Sachin and Dhoni to put back India in winning position. It is advantage aussies going into 5th days play.