Hurricane Hayden thwarts India's challenge

New Delhi: Matthew Hayden's 29th Test hundred and an unbeaten 87 from Michael Hussey got Australia past 200 runs as overall lead despite Anil Kumble's double strike during the third session on the fourth day of the second Test at the SCG on Saturday.

Captain Kumble removed Hayden for 123 on an attempted reverse sweep before Michael Clarke fell on the very next ball with a smart catch to Rahul Dravid. A loud appeal the following ball was denied as was Kumble a hat-trick.

But a timely return to form of Michael Hussey boosted Australia's bid to post a target beyond the reach of the Indians, with the left-hander remaining unbeaten on 87 and Andrew Symonds at the other end on 14, as Australia ended day four on 282-4, leading by 213.

Hayden battled several probing bowling spells and cramps on his way to a composed century while captain Ricky Ponting strode out to the field as his runner after his early dismissal, and put on 160 with Michael Hussey.

It was the big left-hander's second hundred of the series as he continued to batter his favourite opposition against whom he has amassed more than 1500 Test runs, as Australia crossed the 200-run mark.

Earlier, openers Phil Jaques and Hayden put on 85 for the first wicket before Jaques top-edged Kumble for 42 with a lead by 17 runs when play resumed after rains halted proceedings for a short while on day four. The wicket also gave Kumble his 100th against Australia.

Harbhajan then induced a leading edge from Ponting straight to Laxman for one which sparked off wild celebrations in the Indian camp.

With an overall deficit of 69, Australia resumed their second innings on 13 without loss, and had reached 30 playing out 15 overs before heavy rains lashed the SCG.

Day one report

Day two report

day three report