Thaindian News

Perth, Jan 13 (IANS) India’s batting line-up continued to falter in the series Down Under with Australia taking four wickets for 73 at lunch on the opening day of the third Test here Friday.

V.V.S. Laxman and Virat Kohli were at the crease on 4 and 10 after the dismissals of Gautam Gambhir (31) and Sachin Tendulkar (15) towards to the end of the session put India further on the backfoot. Virender Sehwag (0) and Rahul Dravid (9) departed early on, continuing their poor run of form in the series.

The much-talked about grassy wicket at the West Australia Cricket Association Ground assisted the bowlers but seemed far from being an unplayable turf to bat on.

Sehwag’s innings lasted for four balls as he edged a Ben Hilfenhaus (2-25) outswinger straight into the safe hands of Ricky Ponting at second slip.

Rahul Dravid was bowled for one more time in the series. The batsman, who turned 39 Wednesday, lost his balance while playing a full length Peter Siddle (1-19) delivery which hit the pads before disturbing the timber.

Gambhir and Tendulkar got together at 32 for two and started playing some delightful straight drives. The master blaster once again showed good form, starting his innings with two majestic hits straight down the ground. But just when it looked a partnership was developing, Tendulkar was adjudged leg before off Ryan Harris (1-17) in the 25th over.

Six balls later and minutes before lunch, Gambhir gave in to the nagging off-stump line maintained by Hilfenhaus, nicking the ball to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. The southpaw looked solid during his 82-ball knock and kept the scoreboard ticking with quick singles.

Earlier, both sides opted for an all-pace attack as Michael Clake expectedly put India in on a testing surface.