Steve Smith scored a century as Australia posted a competitive first innings total and finish with the edge at stumps against India.
Smith, who has struggled in the series to date, was watchful for large parts of his 196-ball innings which culminated in him scoring 131.
His 100-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne put Australia in complete control of the Test, but when Labuschagne fell for 91, things capitulated quickly for the hosts.
His was the first of five wickets that fell in the space of 78 runs, which forced Australia to adjust what would have been a projected first innings score in excess of 500, to something closer to 350.
Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah brought it back for India with the ball, the former finishing with figures of 4-62, while the latter 2-66.
India’s openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill looked comfortable on a wicket that became increasingly better to bat on. That was until Josh Hazelwood eventually deceived Sharma when he rolled his fingers over a delivery that got the opener to play early and chip it back for a caught and bowled.
Gill followed soon thereafter, undone by a vicious Pat Cummins delivery that caught his edge and spat to gully, where Cameron Green took a low catch.
Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwa Pujara saw out the remainder of the day’s play, leaving India on 96/2 and trailing by 242 runs.
