Australia slightly have their nose ahead of India at the end of day 4 of the third test at Melbourne as the end the day at 261-7 with a lead of 326 over India when the stumps were drawn. The match is poised for a thrilling finish as India might go on for the chase on the final day if the Aussies decide to declare overnight.

After dismissing India off the first 16 deliveries, Australia managed to get off to a flying start courtesy David Warner’s quick-fire 40 where he had the Indian bowlers at bay. Opener Chris Rogers looked solid during his stay at the crease whereas Shane Watson, who replaced Warner did not last long as he was dismissed for 17 by Ishant Sharma.

India managed to get the all-important wicket of Steve Smith cheaply after he was caught in the leg slip by Ajinkya Rahane off Umesh Yadav for 14. But Rogers remained defiant, reached his fourth consecutive fifty and failed to convert it to a big one as he was bowled by Ashwin courtesy an inside-edge. Then it was all Shaun Marsh show as he batted cautiously throughout his innings in spite of losing wickets at the other end. Brad Haddin, Joe Burns and Mitchell Johnson didn’t last long as Australia were reduced for 234-7.

Ryan Harris made sure that there is no further hiccups and remained unbeaten on a 27 ball 8 whereas Marsh reached his second Test fity as he ended the day on 161 ball 62 with the help of eight fours and a six.

Scorecard:

Australia (Ist Innings): 530 (Steve Smith 192, Ryan Harris 74, Mohammad Shami 4-138)

India (Ist Innings): 465 (Virat Kohli 169, Ajinkya Rahane 147, Ryan Harris 4-70)

Australian Batting (2nd Innings):

Batsmen	Dismissal	Runs	Balls	4s	6s
David Warner	lbw b Ashwin	40	42	6	0
Chris Rogers	b Ashwin	69	123	8	0
Shane Watson	c Dhoni b Sharma	17	34	1	0
Steve Smith	c Rahane b Yadav	14	27	2	0
Shaun Marsh	not out	62	131	8	1
Joe Burns	c Dhoni b Sharma	9	17	0	0
Brad Haddin	c Dhoni b Yadav	13	27	0	0
Mitchell Johnson	c Rahane b Mohammed Shami	15	27	2	0
Ryan Harris	not out	8	27	0	0
Extras:	(lb 8, w 1, nb 5)	14
Total:	75 overs	261-7