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Tendulkar approaches record, India slips to 174-4

MOHALI- Mitchell Johnson engineered Australias fightback with two important breakthroughs Friday as India went to tea with Sachin Tendulkar one run short of equaling test cricket's scoring record on the first day of the second cricket test.

India scored freely through opener Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid before Johnson and Brett Lee combined for two wickets in three balls to keep Australia in touch as India slipped to 174 for 4 wickets at the break.

Dravid, who picked off seven boundaries in his 39, was looking extremely comfortable until he under-edged Lee and the ball crashed into the leg stump.

Two deliveries later Gambhir edged Mitchell Johnsons leg-cutter to end his bright knock of 67 from 140 balls.

When V.V.S Laxman glanced Johnson to Brad Haddin on 12 India had lost 3-17 and was in sudden discomfort at 4-163.

Johnson had figures of 3-48 from 15 overs while Lee, who was expensive early, had 1-45 from 13.

At tea Sachin Tendulkar was 13, one short of equaling the world run-scoring record, while Sourav Ganguly was 2.

Australia needed the breakthroughs after losing the toss on a pitch that is perfect for batting.

In the first session, Gambhir treated the bowlers like he was playing a one-day game, but the run-rate of more than four an over slowed between lunch and tea as the tourists recovered.

Gambhir drove strongly during his innings that peaked when he lofted Michael Clarke for consecutive boundaries over mid-on in the final over before lunch to bring up his seventh half-century.

He collected nine boundaries overall and his quick partnership of 70 in 14.2 overs with Virender Sehwag flattened the early hopes of the new-look Australia attack.

Peter Siddle's first test delivery was a bouncer that hit Gambhir in the back of the helmet, but the batsman recovered and it was the only moment of discomfort for the home team in the first hour.

Lee was struck for 23 runs from his opening four overs and rookie Siddle, who was handed his Australian baggy green test cap before play from skipper Ricky Ponting, received a tough welcome as India sped to 43-0 from eight overs.

Johnson finally broke through after drinks when Sehwag's glove was brushed and Brad Haddin accepted the leg side catch. Sehwag belted six fours in his innings of 35 from 36 balls.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, in his second match as captain, stepped into Anil Kumbles leadership role after he was ruled out with a right shoulder injury. Kumble's bowling place was taken by rookie legspinner Amit Mishra, who has 303 wickets in 77 first-class games at an average of 24.91.

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