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Gambhir registers century, India lead passes 400

MOHALI- Opening batsman Gautam Gambhir recorded his second test century as a dominant India added quick runs to set Australia a massive fourth innings target in the second test on Monday.

India reached the fourth day lunch interval on 230 for two in their second innings, an overall lead of 431 runs, ahead of an expected declaration and push for victory that would give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the four-test series.

Australia’s bowlers toiled with little success on a dry and slow Mohali pitch where India, scored 130 runs from 26 overs in the session, highlighted by Gambir’s 104.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who shuffled the batting order to keep the scoreboard moving, was 26 not out with first innings centurion Saurav Ganguly alongside him on three.

Left-hander Gambhir and fellow Delhi batsman Virender Sehwag piled on 182 runs for the opening wicket after India had resumed on their overnight 100-0.

Sehwag was dismissed for 90, edging paceman Peter Siddle to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin to miss out on a 16th test hundred on his 30th birthday.

The aggressive opener, who survived a caught behind appeal on 88, hit eight fours from 122 balls in three hours.

Gambhir, who resumed on his overnight 46 was dropped in the second over when his edge against leg spinner Cameron White bounced off Haddin’s pads and slip fielder Matthew Hayden grassed the rebound.

He lofted White over long on for six and flicked the bowler to midwicket for his seventh four to reach his hundred. White removed him two balls later when he gave a simple catch to mid off. Australian skipper Ricky Ponting spread out the field but could not really stem the flow of runs.

Brett Lee, who has been below his best in the series and needed two stitches on an injury to his bowling hand, fielded but did not bowl.

On Sunday, all rounder Shane Watson (78) and Mike Hussey (54) helped Australia score 268 as leg spinner Amit Mishra claimed 5-71 on debut to help India take a 201-run first innings lead.

The first test in Bangalore ended in a draw.