Australia passes follow-on mark vs. India

NEW DELHI - A career-best performance from offspinner Virender Sehwag could not stop Australia from passing the follow-on mark Saturday, as the tourists reached 436-6 at lunch on the fourth day of the third test.

By (AP)

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Published: Sat 1 Nov 2008, 1:09 PM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 11:04 AM

The part-time offspinner captured 4-83 as he continued to trouble the Australian batsmen in their reply to India's first innings of 613-7 declared. Michael Clarke led the visitors' push on the fourth morning with 57 not out, with Cameron White also at the crease on four at the interval.

Clarke, who struck four fours and a six in his 133-ball knock, made sure Australia passed the follow-on figure of 414. At the break the side was still 177 behind but with an improved chance of forcing a draw and taking the series to a deciding fourth test.

Sehwag removed Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey on day three, and claimed another wicket on the fourth morning by bowling Shane Watson for 36. His previous best figures of 3-12 came against South Africa in Kanpur in April.

Watson and Clarke negotiated the first hour after the pair resumed the morning session at 338-4. Their 73-run partnership for the fifth wicket ended when Watson moved too far across the stumps and was bowled by Sehwag.

Sehwag took on a heavier bowling load on Friday after captain Anil Kumble was forced to get treatment for a split webbing on his left hand.

Kumble, who required stitches for the wound, returned to bowl in Saturday's opening session and took his first wicket of the series when he had wicketkeeper Brad Haddin stumped for 17, leaving Australia at 426-6.

Earlier in the over, Kumble was struck on his injured fingers, but he bowled through the pain and was rewarded for his courage.


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