Australia keep up Indian torment

Australia struck two late blows with the ball late on day two of the fourth Test against India after double centuries from Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke had led the hosts to 604 for seven declared at Adelaide Oval. The tourists reached 61 for two at the close of the second day, still requiring a further 344 runs just to make Australia bat again as they look to deny the home team a 4-0 series sweep.

Gautam Gambhir (30 not out) and Sachin Tendulkar (12no) were looking to spend as much of the day as possible out in the middle after the Indians lost acting captain Virender Sehwag (18) and Rahul Dravid (one) in the post-tea session.

India’s reply started well enough when Gambhir helped himself to a juicy wide, full toss loosener from Ryan Harris. The left-handed opener duly dispatched first ball of the innings for four through point.

Sehwag survived an early chance on five when he clipped a Ben Hilfenhaus delivery off his pads to a sprawling Ed Cowan, who dropped a sharp chance at mid-wicket. The swashbuckling opener thrashed Harris for a couple of trademark off-side boundaries, but he was unable to cash in on his earlier good fortune. Peter Siddle was introduced into the attack after just four overs and struck gold immediately when, with his first ball – a low full toss – he plucked a leaping, one-handed return catch off the leading edge of Sehwag’s bat.

Sehwag trudged off for a run-a-ball 18, giving him a disappointing series aggregate of 136 runs at 19.42. The following over, the equally out-of-form Dravid was sent packing for one after being bowled by Hilfenhaus, the ball deflecting off Dravid’s right elbow. When Tendulkar walked out to the crease, he was afforded what has become a customary standing ovation. The 38-year-old was particularly watchful in the final hour, scoring just one run off his last 28 balls and looking determined to continue the rescue mission with Gambhir.

Earlier, Australia captain Clarke declared the home side’s innings closed shortly after tea following Harris’ pulled six which raised the 600.

Harris (35no) supported Brad Haddin (42no) in an unbroken 71-run stand for the eighth wicket, after Ponting (221) and Clarke (210) supplied the real fireworks.

Ponting’s effort was his sixth double ton, while Clarke – who was bowled by Umesh Yadav three balls after lunch – became the first Test captain and third player in Test match history, after Sir Donald Bradman and Wally Hammond, to register a triple century and a double ton in the same series.