Adelaide, Jan 25 (IANS) India picked up four wickets in the afternoon session of the fourth Test as Australia extended their first innings score to a mammoth 563 for 7, thanks to double hundreds from leader Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting.
Clarke, who had completed his 200 before the end of the morning session at 469 for 3, departed three balls post lunch on 210, ending his 386-run partnership with Ponting, the highest for any wicket in an India-Australia Test.
The fourth wicket stand was also the highest at the Adelaide Oval, surpassing the 341 set by South Africa’s Eddie Barlow and Graeme Pollock in 1963-64.
Ponting made 221 for the sixth double century of his illustrious career.
Brad Haddin (23) and Ryan Harris (19) were at the crease and had added 36 runs.
India finally got a batsman out after three sessions when Umesh Yadav (1/116) castled Clarke’s stump with a sharp incoming ball which hit the pads before disturbing the timber.
Ponting was on 199 when Clarke was sent back, and the former captain waived his bat to the crowd after pulling Yadav for a boundary.
It was one of the 21 glorious shots he played. His 404-ball knock comprised strokes played all around the ground.
The Punter was dismissed while attempting his favourite pull, holing out at mid-wicket where Sachin Tendulkar did the rest.
It was an improved fielding session for the Indians as Gautam Gambir got rid of Michael Hussey (25) while showing some sharp reflexes at silly point.
Hussey took off for a single after playing a defensive stroke. Gambhir brilliantly collected the ball on his right and released it for a direct hit.
Earlier, Clarke and Ponting guided Australia to 469 for 3 at lunch.
Australia, resuming the day on 335 for 3, scored rapidly with Clarke unbeaten on 210 and Ponting another two short of his double hundred.
It was their second marathon partnership of the series since the Sydney Test where they recorded 288 runs and Clarke played an epic 329.
The dangerous duo came out with an attacking approach and punished the Indians, who were erratic in their line and length. Even luck was not on the visitors’ side as a couple of thick edges flew past the fielders.
Clarke struck 24 boundaries in his sublime knock and got past 200 with a gentle knick for two off Ravichandran Ashwin (3/179).
