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Tendulkar scores sixth Test double ton
India tightened their grip on the second Test after dominating the proceedings on Day 4.
At close of play, Australia were 202 for 7 (after 65 overs), extending their overall lead to 185.
Overnight on 191, Sachin Tendulkar started the day with a four off Ben Hilfenhaus. Four overs later, he completed his 6th double ton and India soon took the innings lead.
Sachin is George's first Test wicket
However, after completing his double ton, Tendulkar didn't last long. He became Peter George's first Test victim when he played a delivery on to his stumps.
Tendulkar's 363-ball innings was inclusive of 22 hits to the fence and two over it. He and Dhoni put on an invaluable 75-run stand for the sixth wicket, one that helped India take the lead.
George got his second wicket when he had Zaheer Khan (1) caught by Michael Clarke at short cover. Just moments before, Harbhajan Singh (4) was caught by Ponting off Shane Watson.
Hauritz then had the prized wicket of captain M S Dhoni (30 off 88) and he also later accounted for No 11 bat S Sreesanth as the Indian innings folded at 495, the hosts taking a 17-run lead.
Australia start cautiously
Australia made a prudent start to their second innings post-lunch. With the ball starting to reverse, it was all the more palpable.
Shane Watson (31) started the proceedings on a confident note, hitting the fifth delivery of the first over (bowled by Zaheer) left of mid-off for the first boundary of Australia's second innings.
The lead was soon erased and the opening duo batted sensibly, putting on a 58-run partnership for the opening wicket with some fine shot-making.
Then the Indian spinners struck thrice in quick time to have them reeling. Ojha dealt the opening blow.
Ojha, Bhajji cripple Aus batting
The left-arm spinner trapped the dangerous Watson (31) leg before to give the home side their first breakthrough in the 17th over. In the next over Harbhajan got a similar decision to send Simon Katich (24) back.
Michael Clarke (3) was the next to go; Ojha struck again, having the Aussie vice-captain stumped..
From 58 for no loss, the visitors were reduced to 65 for three. Ponting and Hussey ensured there was no further damage before tea.
At tea, the visitors had made 94 for three, for an overall lead of 77.
Zaheer ends Ponting's resolute innings
However, the reintroduction of Zaheer into the attack ensured the home team the wicket they so desperately needed. The left-arm seamer caught Ponting plumb in front of the wicket.
His 117-ball knock was inclusive of seven hits to the fence and one over it.
Australia, who are seeking a series-levelling win, lead by 185 runs, with only lower-order batsmen left to face a fired-up Indian bowling unit.
Mitchell Johnson (7) and Nathan Hauritz (8) will resume the Australian innings tomorrow.