India Australia cricket clash, Australia hit back with Tendulkar’s wicket

Gambhir's ton has lifted India to 3 for 214 after combining for a quick fire 57-run partnership with VVS Laxman who is unbeaten on 18.

The Delhi product hit 16 fours and 1 six in his patient yet skilful knock, continuing his fine form from Mohali, where he struck a century in the second innings to set up India's 320-run victory.

Laxman strode to the crease just moment before the tea break when Sachin Tendulkar was caught behind by Mitchell Johnson for a marvellous 68.

Tendulkar and Gambhir rebuilt India's innings after early blows in the first session.

The pair put on 130 runs for the third wicket to help the home side recover from a shaky 2 for 72 and reach 3 for 158 at tea on an easy-paced track at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.

Tendulkar's brilliant 68 included 11 boundaries before succumbing to Johnson (2-44).

The Little Master, 35, looked in sublime touch during his 124-ball knock. He whipped Cameron White past extra cover and followed it up with a slog sweep over midwicket to force the leg-spinner from the attack.

Australia struck two early blows on the first morning in Delhi before Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir, the leading run-scorer in the series, steadied India with a level-headed 40-run partnership. Their patience was important after Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson helped Australia pinch some immediate momentum as they set out to ensure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy would not be decided in the next few days.

On a pitch that was not particularly fast Australia, having lost the toss, had to work hard to have India at 5 for 1 and then 27 for 2. Lee had spent the past week trying to lift his speed and fitness and the toil paid off in his second over when Virender Sehwag was beaten by extra pace and was lbw to a ball that would have taken middle and leg.

Johnson, Australia's form bowler of the series, had success in his first over when he angled a quick ball across Rahul Dravid, who tried for a cover-drive only to edge low and to the right of Matthew Hayden at first slip. It was a sharp catch from Hayden, who has had questions asked of his batting this series but deserves no criticism for his fielding.

But the in-form Gambhir was a steadying influence for India. He was in no rush and sensibly saw off the immediate danger period from the fast men, who found not much more than the odd hint of swing. Gambhir was happy to pounce when possible - a pull off Shane Watson comfortably cleared midwicket and ran away for four - yet equally content to watch Tendulkar tick the score over.