Australia sniffed victory in the second Test in Melbourne yesterday as the Indian openers once again found a stiff fourth innings target too hot to handle.
The tourists, chasing an improbable 376 for a series-levelling win, were 40 for one at close of the fourth day's play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India failed to get a start for the fourth time in the series when Venkat Laxman hooked Damien Fleming down fine-leg to Glenn McGrath with the score at five.
India's best opening stand in the series has been 11, putting great pressure on the renowned middle-order of Rahul Dravid, captain Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.
Left-hand opener Sadagopan Ramesh was unbeaten on 26 at stumps, having survived a dropped catch and a blow on the helmet and left hand by a vicious lifter from newcomer Brett Lee.
Dravid, whose best in the series is 35, defended stoutly at the other end to return with a determined 10 off 49 balls. As Australia go for the kill on the final day, India's escape routes on the wearing MCG wicket may be confined to the prolific Sachin Tendulkar and the forecast of showers. Tendulkar made 116 in India's first innings score of 238, his 22nd Test century preventing the embarrassment of a follow-on.
Australia made 208 for five in their second innings, before captain Steve Waugh declared an hour after tea.
