Gambhir ton puts India in control

Australia's hopes of saving the Test quickly receded as Gambhir and Sehwag picked up from where they left off on Sunday.

The pair added another 82 runs to their opening stand, already worth 100 runs overnight, before Sehwag departed for 90. Gambhir then fell for 104 to Cameron White just after reaching his century. India had reached 230 for two at lunch, with Mahendra Singh Dhoni unbeaten on 26 and Sourav Ganguly on three.

Gambhir's second Test century looked in doubt at the start, a touch of nerves almost proving the batsman's downfall.

The 27-year-old left-hander had presented the Australians with three opportunities to send him back to the pavilion, the first - a run out which Michael Clarke missed - coming off the very first delivery of the day.

Brett Lee then missed another chance to run the left-hander out and an edge was put down by Matthew Hayden at first slip, although the ball had deflected off the pad of Brad Haddin before it went to Hayden.

Gambhir survived those chances and went on to raise his century all the while helping India pile on quick runs.

He finally fell just after hitting White past midwicket to raise his century.

Gambhir's dismissal came eight overs after that of Sehwag, who was removed by Peter Siddle just after the opening batsman was ruled not out by umpire Asad Rauf although he had clearly edged Mitchell Johnson to Haddin.

Dhoni then promoted himself in order to amass quick runs as India steamed towards an early declaration.