A battling century from Matthew Hayden kept alive Australia's hopes of a record-equalling 16th Test victory over India.
Veteran opener defies the pain to record 29th Test century
A battling century from Matthew Hayden kept alive Australia's hopes of a record-equalling 16th Test victory over India.
Hayden defied back and thigh injuries to help Australia hold a 213-run lead going into the final day of the second Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Despite needing a runner, the 36-year-old opener managed to scrap his way to 123 for his 29th Test century - moving him level with Sir Don Bradman on Australia's list.
Having started the day on 30-0, the Aussies made good progress before they lost Phil Jaques and Ricky Ponting in quick succession.
Jaques became Anil Kumble's 100th Test wicket against Australia when he departed for 42, while Harbhajan Singh proved to be Ponting's nemesis yet again.
The Aussie skipper was dismissed for an eighth time in Tests by Harbhajan when he spooned a catch to VVS Laxman at silly point for one.
Valiant
However from 90-2, Australia rebuilt their innings - with Hayden finding an ally in Mike Hussey.
The duo put on 160 for the third wicket to move Australia towards a potentially winning position.
Hayden's 123 included 12 boundaries, but his valiant knock came to an end when he reverse swept Kumble to Wasim Jaffer at point.
Kumble then removed Michael Clarke next ball, when he edged to Rahul Dravid at slip.
Kumble, though, was denied a hat-trick by Andrew Symonds despite a confident appeal for leg before.
And Symonds, who smashed 162 not out in the first innings, held firm as he and Hussey added 32 runs to see Australia to 282-4 before bad light brought play to a premature end.
Hussey finished the day unbeaten on 87 and Australia will now be looking for some quick runs as they bid to keep their winning streak alive.
