Bangalore, Sunday 12 October 2008: Simon Katich and Matthew Hayden started the proceedings for Australia in their second innings on Day 4 of the first Test match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. The visitors were 9 runs without loss at lunch thus extending their lead to 79 runs.

Zaheer Khan resumed from his overnight score of 35 runs to score a magnificent half-century on day 4 of the first Test at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore and continued frustrating the Australians. Khan got ample support from his captain Anil Kumble at the other end, who, even though did not score briskly, and was later caught plumb in front of the wicket by Shane Watson, tested the Aussie bowling with his tight defence before being dismissed. He departed after scoring 5 runs off 33 deliveries.

Later, Ishant Sharma teamed up with Zaheer Khan to exasperate the visiting Aussies before being dismissed by Michael Clarke for 6 runs from 31 deliveries. Australia wrapped up the India innings for 360 runs, and thus led the first innings by 70 runs.

On Day 3, it was the partnership between Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh, another half centurion, which kept it going for India and brought the hosts back in the game that were at one point of time, tottering at 232 for the loss of seven wickets attempting to overhaul the first innings total of 430 by Australia.

This being the fourth day of the first Test, the ball is expected to turn and bounce and with India possessing lethal spinners in Harbhajan and Kumble, it will be interesting to watch how the Australians tackle the turning wicket.

(Agency)