Australia in charge against India
MELBOURNE, Australia -- An Indian collapse followed by a 234-run partnership between Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting put Australia in charge of the third test.
The tourists, who ended the first day at 329-4, lost six wickets for 27 runs as they were bowled out in their first innings for 366.
Australia reached 317-3 at the end of day two, with Hayden contributing 136 and Ponting unbeaten on 120.
Their second wicket stand followed an early success for India when opener Justin Langer was dismissed by Ajit Agakar for 14.
But Saurav Ganguly's side, who lead the four-test series 1-0 and are seeking their first ever series success in Australia, had to wait almost four hours for their next wicket, when Hayden was trapped lbw by spinner Anil Kumble.
Kumble also claimed Adam Gilchrist's wicket for 14 following a wild slog from the wicketkeeper to Ashish Nehra.
Hayden said that Australia had needed a big partnership to launch their innings.
"We've well and truly done that now. We've got a really nice launching pad into tomorrow. With some good disciplined batting we can get a big lead," said Hayden.
"We've got a lot of work to do before we win this game but we're back in it."
"It was a very satisfying day for us all round," added Ponting. "We made it go our way with the ball and we've batted really well."
India's bowling attack was also hurt by the loss of paceman Zaheer Khan, who managed just 17 overs before breaking down with a repeat of the hamstring strain that kept him out of the second test.
India had been hoping to build on Virender Sehwag's first day 195, but Saurav Ganguly's dismissal in the fifth over of the day triggered their collapse.
Ganguly was caught in the slips off Brett Lee for 37.
Parthiv Patel, caught behind off Nathan Bracken, and Ajit Agarkar, run out, followed for first ball ducks.
Vangipurappu Laxman (19) and Ashish Nehra (0), both fell to spinner Stuart MacGill, while Brad Williams picked up the wicket of Anil Kumble (3).
Australia are seeking to avoid their first home series defeat since losing to the West Indies in 1992-93.
