INDIA v AUSTRALIA 1986-87

At Bombay, October 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. Drawn. Border having called correctly for the third time in the Test series to allow Australia the best of the batting conditions, Marsh established the innings with a slow first hundred against India before falling to Kulkarni, who had been drafted into the Indian side for his first Test as a replacement for the injured Chetan Sharma. But with the wicket seeming to help the spinners a shade on the second day, the safe total Australia were aiming for did not materialise. Gavaskar, batting just over five hours, compiled an immaculate century on his home ground, his 33rd in Tests, but India remained under some pressure as Matthews took all four wickets which fell on the third day. However, the fourth day belonged completely to the Bombay pair, Vengsarkar and Shastri, who put together a record, unfinished partnership of 298 for any wicket in India-Australia Tests; it was also the highest for India's sixth wicket against any country. While Vengsarkar made his twelfth Test century with classy elegance, a more stodgy Shastri burst into action every now and then to stroke six sixes - a record for an Indian in Tests. The Australians were in for the last nine overs of the fourth day but their real test came on the fifth, when Shastri disposed of Marsh and Boon. However, Jones and Border ensured the draw with an unbroken stand of 146, Border keeping the strike until lunch in order not to expose a nervy Jones to the turning ball. Afterwards Jones's confidence was in the ascendant and an interesting Test match meandered to tame draw on a pitch which had lost its pace progressively. Not one wicket fell on the fourth day and only two on the final one.

Close of play: First day, Australia 217-2 (G. R. Marsh 89*, A. R. Border 34*); Second day, India 61-1 (S. M. Gavaskar 30*, K. S. More 0*); Third day, India 291-5 (D. B. Vengsarkar 41*, R. J. Shastri 37*); Fourth day, Australia 9-0 (D. C. Boon 5*, G. R. Marsh 2*).