India in control

Laxman's 79 helped the tourists scrape to 294 in their second innings and set Australia an unlikely victory target of 413 - a score which would constitute the second highest successful run chase in Test history.

Such a feat would be a fitting way for Australia to beat their own record of 16 consecutive Test wins, but that looks some way away after they ended day three on 65 for two, still 348 runs short of victory, thanks to two wickets from Pathan.

It was nightwatchman Pathan who was the star of the morning session, holding the early part of the India innings together as Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly were all dismissed by a rejuvenated Australian attack.

Pathan, however, did not last long after lunch, with just two added to the total before he edged a catch to Ricky Ponting off the bowling of Clark, falling four runs short of his half-century.

New batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Laxman steadied the ship as India increased their advantage over the Australians, with Laxman claiming his half-century as the pair added a further 75 runs.

Andrew Symonds brought their partnership to an end when he lured Dhoni into an attempted sweep which ballooned into the air and Gilchrist made the diving catch.

Anil Kumble fell quickly for a duck but RP Singh put on 51 with Laxman for the ninth wicket before both him and Laxman fell in quick succession.

Clark finished with four for 61 while Lee contributed three for 54.

Pathan removed both Australian openers when, first, debutant Chris Rogers (15) feathered an edge through to wicketkeeper Dhoni and Phil Jaques (16) followed with an edge to Wasim Jaffer at fourth slip.