Aussies immaculate as India search for saviour

Australia's marksmen have shot them closer to an elusive series win. Following an accuracy plan which is millimetre-precise, the fast bowlers have made the job of India's middle order almost impossible. Rescue acts from under 4 for 100 are once-in-a-series campaigns unless Steve Waugh or Adam Gilchrist is in the mood.

This was the third time in three Tests that India have struggled at the top, and they are still looking for a saviour. The attack was so intense that the line-up of Sehwag, Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman dragged along at two an over. No batsman until Mohammad Kaif found any relief as the dot-balls formed clusters. It was slow, but gripping.

Feeling at home on a wicket offering bouncer opportunities, Glenn McGrath was immaculate and Jason Gillespie caught up after the four-four thrashing from Virender Sehwag in his first over. Michael Kasprowicz, as he has throughout the series, offered the sort of back-up that has Brett Lee throwing him the ball as a substitute fielder. He was brought on to remove Rahul Dravid but this time rattled his helmet instead of his stumps. The trio was so dangerous that Shane Warne was not introduced until the 36th over. It was hard to believe that this was India.

The bowlers have adjusted their line towards the stumps and planted a midwicket and mid-on to restrict the run-flow. Tactic set, they wait for a chance and tighten their grip on an opposition desperate to reach the boundary. Only Dravid, the most obdurate of the clouding gems, has the patience to stay but even his perseverance has not led to breaking free. He finally nibbled at McGrath after 140 balls of resistance, as they expected he would.

McGrath may be celebrating his 100th Test, but there was no loosening of his bowling morals - although he relaxed enough in the morning to play two fine hook-shots. Nipping the ball in and away his line did change, but only to force the batsmen to defend on the back foot instead of probing outside off. By lunch he had six overs for five runs and Sehwag's edge.

Sachin Tendulkar was not allowed to brush off his injury rust and Gillespie got him for the fifth time, equalling the mark of McGrath. The pressure was already coming from three angles when Warne was called. As Warne came on, VVS Laxman went off.

Australia have four men who offer few donations and India can find no weakness. Their only bowling blemish in the series was caused by Sehwag's biffing at Chennai, which blunted their firepower and released their advantage. If the game follows the same direction as their accuracy, Australia will need only to copy this display in the second innings to reach their final frontier.