Aussies edge closer to series win

Australia, led by centurions Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, passed India's first-innings total of 526 shortly after tea but the tail wagged for just 37 more runs before the tourists skittled the hosts for 563.

India made a stuttering start to their second innings with opener Irfan Pathan falling for a six-ball duck after being trapped lbw by Mitchell Johnson. Virender Sehwag's unbeaten 31 and Rahul Dravid's 11 not out moved the tourists to 45 for one heading into the fifth day.

However, both teams' mammoth first-innings totals leaves the match on course for a draw that would end India's hopes of levelling the series, which Australia lead 2-1.

Resuming on 322 for three - a total aided by Matthew Hayden's 30th Test century on Saturday - Ponting and Clarke dug in during the morning session to frustrate the Indian attack and take the score beyond 400.

Having seen skipper Ponting record his 34th Test century in the morning, Clarke followed suit in the afternoon, picking up his third Test hundred with a single off Sehwag.

But their 210 run-partnership finally came to an end three balls later with the score on 451 when Ponting attempted to dab a Sehwag delivery behind point but played it on to his stumps with an inside edge as he was dismissed for 140.

Clarke and Andrew Symonds added 39 more runs in 11 overs before Clarke went for 118 after edging an Ishant Sharma delivery to VVS Laxman at second slip.

The retiring Adam Gilchrist came out to a standing ovation and hit a swift 14 from 18 balls before driving a Pathan delivery straight to Sehwag, who took a straightforward catch at cover.

Australia passed the Indian total three overs after tea but then lost two quick wickets with Symonds going for 30 after playing a Sharma delivery on to his stumps and Brett Lee following for one, edging a catch to MS Dhoni to give Pathan his 100th Test wicket.