Steve Waugh's century lifts Australia

Skipper Steve Waugh hit his 25th test hundred to lift Australia to a first innings total of 445 all out on Monday -- the second day of the second test against India.

Waugh's 110 was his first test century in India and helped him set a record 133-run ninth-wicket partnership with Jason Gillespie (46) to regain the initiative for the tourists after resuming overnight at 291 for eight.

The Australian skipper, playing his 134th match, climbed to fifth in the list of all-time test century-makers and rose to third among Australian players behind Don Bradman (29) and Allan Border (27).

Waugh and Gillespie bettered Australia's previous best partnership for the ninth wicket against India -- 96 set by Ian Healy and Gavin Robertson at Madras in the 1997-98 series.

Their partnership frustrated Indian hopes of ending the innings quickly on the back of young off-spinner Harbhajan Singh's five wickets in the final session of play on Sunday.

Singh, who claimed the first test hat-trick by an Indian on Sunday, eventually ended the Australian innings after lunch on Monday and finished with with seven for 123.

He made the breakthrough by having Gillespie caught off his gloves at forward short leg to leave Steve Waugh on 93.

Waugh hoisted Singh for his only six over midwicket then took a single to point to reach his century.

He hit 11 fours in his 201 ball knock before being trapped lbw trying to sweep Singh.

Glenn McGrath chipped in with 21 not out in a 43-run last-wicket stand.

Mail Cricket Editor