Aussies take aggressive approach in India

Shane Watson. Photo by Reuters

India will resume on THE third day of play in the fourth Test with a narrow lead on the first innings but knowing Australia are playing with confidence and aggression.

India are 8-266 after a tense day two which included Australia fieldsman David Warner clashing in a verbal altercation with batsman Ravindra Jadeja, which led to Jadeja complaining to the umpires.

Australia captain Shane Watson and his Indian rival MS Dhoni, who was batting at the time, attempted to calm the situation which was apparently caused by Jadeja taking a drinks break mid-over.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar will resume on 10 with only Pragyan Ojha and Ishant Sharma for company after spinner Nathan Lyon claimed 5-94 including the wicket of Ravi Ashwin lbw from the last ball of the day's play.

"We do wish that we did do it earlier," Lyon said of Australia's aggressive body language and on-field banter.

"That's a way that Australia plays its best cricket, when we're putting the contest to the opposition. And no matter who the opposition is, I think it works well."

Dhoni was out two overs after the incident for 24 at 6-210 but India fought back with a 44-run partnership between Jadeja (43) and Ashwin (12).

"Yeah there was definitely a lead-up (to Dhoni's dismissal)," Lyon said.

"We need to have that aggression. We need to get in the contest and that led to every wicket that fell out there.

"That was how it was with the conflict that went out there in the middle. The aggression that was going on, Dhoni fell away to Patto."

Dhoni's pull shot landed in the safe hands of Watson at mid-wicket off the bowling of James Pattinson in a key blow.

India's openers Murali Vijay (57) and Cheteshwar Pujara (52) shared a 108-run stand before the home side lost 6-102, including Lyon trapping Sachin Tendulkar (32) and Virat Kohli (one) lbw.

"Playing against the likes of Tendulkar and Kohli, you're always striving to get their wickets," Lyon said.

"It's definitely up there as one of the days I'll remember."

India lead the four-match series three-nil.