Gambhir ton floors Australia

India began badly, losing Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid in quick succession at the start, but Gambhir steadied dressing room nerves as the hosts recovered admirably to finish the day in a strong position.

At stumps, India had reached 296 for three, with Gambhir still batting on 149 and VVS Laxman on 54, the two having added 139-runs in an unbroken stand for the fourth wicket.

Gambhir had also pieced together a profitable 130-run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar, with the world's most prolific scorer adding 68 runs of his own before he fell on the stroke of the tea interval.

Australia paceman Brett Lee had found rare success with the new ball, accounting for Sehwag for just one run in only his second over of a fiery spell with the new ball.

Lee, who had a meagre four wickets in the first two matches, trapped Sehwag in front, catching the explosive opener on the crease with one that veered in slightly.

Mitchell Johnson, who replaced Lee after the paceman had completed his first spell, struck another blow by dismissing Rahul Dravid for 11 in his first over.

Dravid's dismissal was more a case of poor shot selection rather than fine bowling from Johnson. The former India captain chased a delivery pitched well outside off stump and only managed an edge which Matthew Hayden held neatly at first slip.

India were precariously placed at 27 for two when Tendulkar joined Gambhir at the crease.

Tendulkar reached his half-century, the second in the series and 51st in his career, but fell shortly later when he edged Johnson to Brad Haddin, presenting the left-arm paceman with his second wicket.