PERTH: Electing to bat first India consolidated their position in the second session of the first day of the third Test at WACA as the third wicket pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid put on a century stand.

Both Tendulkar (59) and Dravid (52) were past their half century as India reached 177 for 2 at the tea break. The two have so far put on 118 runs for the third wicket.

India’s Sourav Ganguly was claimed by Mitchell Johnson for a score of nine runs as he was caught brilliantly by Mike Hussey. The wicket sent some tremors down the Indian camp as it was in quick time after Tendulkar’s departure.

India were 214 runs for the loss of four wickets with VVS Laxman coming in to fill the slot left vacant by the fall of fourth Indian wicket.

Australian pace spearhead Brett Lee struck gold early in his spell as he claimed the wicket of Wasim Jaffer who was at a score of just 19 runs. With both the openers back in the pavilion, the onus was on Tendulkar and Dravid on the crease to stabilise the Indian innings. India were 59 runs for the loss of two wickets.

Pacer Mitchell Johnson drew first blood for his team as he claimed the wicket of Virender Sehwag just when he looked set to build up on a big innings. The batsman edged an outswinging delivery into the hands of Adam Gilchrist as the shot was played too close to the body. He departed after scoring 29 runs and India were 57 runs for the loss of a wicket.

Ind 289/6 (82.1) vs Aus

Batsman      R    B   4   6
M Dhoni        4    9    0   0
I Pathan        4    3    1   0

Current Partnership: 5 runs (4), RR: 3.52