Murali Vijay brought up his fourth half century of the series as India reached 108-1 at stumps in reply to Australia's daunting first-innings 530 after Steven Smith fell eight runs short of a double century on the second day of the third test Saturday.
Smith snapped up the catch of Shikhar Dhawan at third slip off Ryan Harris (1-19) for the only wicket of the third session after the Australia captain earlier smashed an imperious 192 for his highest first class score, his third century of the series and seventh of his test career.
Vijay was 55 not out with Cheteshwar Pujara unbeaten on 25 at the end of play.The Indian batsmen made a watchful start to their chase, content to leave the ball rather than risk a wicket before stumps.
Pujara got a lucky escape while on 12 when an edge carried to Brad Haddin, who fumbled the catch.Smith was earlier ably assisted by Brad Haddin (55) and fast bowler Harris (74), who brought up entertaining half centuries to help the Australians add 271 runs to their overnight score.
With India's field ranged against the boundary, Smith was the last Australian out, bowled middle stump playing at an Umesh Yadav (3-130) ball to usher tea.
