Aussies 4 wickets away from humiliating tourists
Nathan Lyon celebrates with teamates after taking the wicket of Indian Batsman VVS Laxman
© AFP
Australia will go into the final day of the fourth Test in Adelaide requiring just four wickets to complete a series whitewash over India after yet another day of dominance.
Although VVS Laxman and Virat Kohli stood firm for the majority of the final session on Friday on a pitch offering little assistance to the bowlers, both were dismissed in the closing overs of the day, leaving only wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha and the tail between India and a second 4-0 whitewash away from home in a row.
Laxman and Kohli looked set to challenge the Australians on the final day, only for Laxman to whip a short ball from offspinner Nathan Lyon straight to Shaun Marsh at short midwicket to depart for 35.
That brought Ishant Sharma to the crease, yet Kohli made the questionable decision to protect nightwatchman and attempt a risky single from the final delivery of the penultimate over of the day.
Ben Hilfenhaus swooped from mid-on to pivot and throw the stumps down in a brilliant piece of fielding, forcing Kohli to depart and leave the Indian innings in tatters on 166 for six - in pursuit of a massive 500 to win.
The hosts will be confident of wrapping things up without too much resistance as their persistent line and length continues to pay off.
The day started with Australia resuming on 50 for three, and Ricky Ponting's unbeaten half-century helped the home side to a declaration just moments after lunch on 167 for five.
The former captain shared a 71-run partnership with Michael Clarke, which ensured that Australia scored 104 runs in the first session despite Clarke being caught behind off the bowling of Umesh Yadav for 37.
Ryan Harris did not take long to remove Gautam Gambhir as India's second innings got underway, but Virender Sehwag struck a streaky 62 to keep Indian hearts beating.
Sehwag required just 36 balls to reach his fifty and struck 12 fours - all of them through the offside - before he was out in cringe-worthy fashion.
Having advanced down the pitch to Lyon, the opener proceeded to slice a knee-high full toss into the air and was caught by Ponting at cover.
© Cricket Companion
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