Adelaide, Jan 26 : Australian batsmen applied themselves on an uneven wicket to see their team to a relatively safer position. Australia scored 322/3 at the end of third days play in Adelaide and now trail by 204 runs.

The day belonged to Mathew Hayden who went past Sir Donald Bradman's record of 29th Test century in style before he got out on 103.

Ricky Ponting completed his half-century while Michael Clarke ably supported the skipper. Both rotated strikes well and survived some close appeal but ensured India spinners did not gain momentum.

For India Ishant Sharma was the pick of the bowler as RP Singh was ruled out due to injury. Ishant bowled a beauty of a delivery to dismiss Hayden the best batsmen for Australia so far.

Ricky Ponting facing Ishant Sharma was probably a contest, which can easily be described as contest of the tour. Ishant Sharma bowled his heart out to keep Ponting guessing with reverse swing.

Sharma was unlucky as few very close LBW appeals did not go his way. Ponting crafted a laboured 50 nudging a single. With score reading 280/3 Kangaroos still trail by 255 runs.

Irfan Pathan who was man of the match in India's historic victory at Perth gave India the much needed breakthrough as he rattled Mike Hussey's defence to give India the third wicket at total score of 241.

However, Pathan had to wait till 18th over before he got a wicket. Hussey's dismissal brought in Michael Clarke at the crease.

ANI