Kumble takes five to give India hope

India 104 & 5-0 Australia 203

Eighteen wickets fell for 290 runs as this final Test moved along swiftly on a pitch as dusty as an ancient library. Of the batsmen only Rahul Dravid and Damien Martyn tried to survive on a dry and uneven surface upon which the ball moved alarmingly. Between them these redoubtable craftsmen faced 219 balls and collected 86 chanceless runs. Everyone else attempted to make hay while the sun shone.

Resuming at 22 for 2, India lost their last eight wickets for 82 in an inept display. Jason Gillespie was superb, moving the ball both ways to get Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman. He then fooled Mohammad Kaif into leaving one that broke back to have the hosts 35 for 5 and ruing their decision to bat first. Dinesh Karthick, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh went quickly and the end was nigh. With Murali Kartik gone, Dravid emerged from his shell to hit a six. Zaheer Khan's stay was brief and India were out for 102, their lowest home score against Australia.

Kumble then took 5 for 90 as Australia eked out 203 for a 99-run first-innings' lead. The left-arm spinner Murali Kartik chipped in with 4 for 44.

Justin Langer nibbled at pace and departed with a shake of the head and Ricky Ponting pulled at one he should have left. Matthew Hayden took a liking to Kumble, striking three over the rope before being held at short-leg, as was Simon Katich. Michael Clarke hit two sixes off Kumble and was stumped.