India halt Australia's charge

BANGALORE // The Indian duo Ishant Sharma and Harbhajan Singh claimed two wickets each as Australia's hopes of winning the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series dimmed considerably on day four. Earlier, Zaheer Khan had bludgeoned an unbeaten 57 in the morning session to all but end Australia's chances of victory at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. India were eventually bowled out for 360, Zaheer's heroics with the bat restricting the deficit to only 70 runs. Australia's chances of winning then lay in amassing quick runs, but India's bowlers strangled them with an accurate line. The visitors finished the day on 193-5 with Brad Haddin (28no) and Shane Watson (32no) steering them to a lead of 263 after Harbhajan and Ishant had threatened to bring an early closure. Zaheer effected the first breakthrough when he trapped opener Matthew Hayden in front after the burly left-hander had scratched around for 13 runs. Ishant proved Ricky Ponting's nemesis again, getting him to play at an angled delivery and VVS Laxman held a low, sharp catch at short midwicket. At the other end, Katich, who had pushed, whipped, poked and missed in equal proportion, was dropped by Gautam Gambhir on five. The left-handed opener fell the next ball after bringing up the 50-run partnership with Michael Hussey, jabbing at one that bounced more than usual from Harbhajan. Laxman, at silly point, completed a simple catch. Michael Clarke and Hussey then fell in quick succession briefly raising hopes of a comeback for India. Clarke was Ishant's second victim, a lazy, uppish drive off a slower delivery bringing an end to his innings. Hussey was bowled by Harbhajan by one that turned sharply. Haddin and Watson, however, put on an unbeaten 65-run stand for the sixth wicket. Earlier in the day, Zaheer resumed on 35 and added he 31 runs with Kumble.

* PA Sport