Australia v India - 4th Test, Day 3: Lunch Report - India trail Australia by 450 runs

Sydney, Jan 8 (IANS) Some tight bowling by Australia helped them to restrict India to 122/2 in their first innings at lunch on Day 3 of the fourth and final Test being played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here on Thursday.

Resuming at 71/1, India could manage only 51 runs in 30 overs in the morning session with a run-rate of less than two per over as they trail Australia's massive total by 450 runs. Lokesh Rahul (50 not out) and skipper Virat Kohli (16 not out) were at the crease when lunch was called.

The visiting side started out cautiously but made sure they did not lose wickets at the start.

Rohit (53) brought up some runs as he scored his first half-century of the series. However, immediately after reaching fifty he was bowled by offie Nathan Lyon while attempting a sweep off a flighted delivery.

The most successful bowler, Lyon picked up his 20th wicket of the series. Lyon was lethal with the ball turning and bouncing on the changing nature of the pitch, which assisted him in a major way.

Few minutes later, a slow but steady Rahul, who had a disastrous debut in Melbourne, scored his maiden Test half-century and remained unbeaten at the crease at the break.

However, he was also lucky to have escaped a couple of easy chances. The home side had a brilliant chance of running him out just after Rohit's dismissal.

Rahul had another escape when he was dropped by Australia skipper Steven Smith, who ran back from slip to catch a top-edged pull, only for the ball to eventually burst through his hands.