Watson-Haddin stabilize innings, Aus leads by 263 runs

India turned the tables on Australia on the fourth day of the first Test at Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The hosts amassed a total of 360 runs in their first innings and picked the wickets of the Australian openers quickly.

However, a well-fought innings by Shane Watson and Brad Haddin stabilized the Australian innings by end of day’s play.

Earlier in the day, Indian tail-ender Zaheer Khan scored a brilliant knock of 57 runs which enabled India to reach a commendable target of 360 runs. Australia then began the second innings with a 70-run lead but lost its openers to the Indian bowlers.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting and left-handed batsman Michael Hussey, who had scored tons in the first innings, fell cheaply this time around in the second innings for 17 runs and 31 runs respectively.

An excellent bowling display by the pair of Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma put the Aussies on the back foot and the visitors were left struggling at 128 runs for the fall of five wickets.

A comeback of sorts by wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin and all-rounder Shane Watson enabled Australia to further increase the lead by 263 runs.

Day four ended with Simon Katich as the top-scorer for Australia in the second innings at 34 runs followed by Watson at 32 not out.

Australia now heads into the fifth day with 193 runs for the fall of five wickets with a huge lead of 263 runs.