Ponting dismissed Cheaply in the second innings ..

Ishant Sharma and VVS Laxman combined to take the prize wicket of Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, leaving the visitors at 2 for 49 on day four of the first Test in Bangalore.

Ponting managed just 17 runs, a stark contrast to his form-finding 123 in the first innings, before being caught by Laxman at short mid wicket off a fuller delivery from Sharma (1 for 11).

Michael Hussey, who punished the home side's bowling attack in the first innings with a commanding 146, joined Simon Katich (9) at the crease as Australia fought to increase its lead.

For up-to-date scores, check out the Live Scoreboard here.

Matthew Hayden, who failed to score in the first innings, attempted to work a Zaheer Khan delivery that swung late across his pads and was trapped in front with Australia at 1 for 21 and holding a 91-run lead.

Harbhajan Singh, brought into the attack in the fourth over before lunch, beat the bat on several occasions and repeatedly rapped Hayden on the pads but was constantly denied.

The Bangalore pitch was showing serious signs of wear before the start of play, making for some unpredictable bounce and movement off the deck.

Indian innings

Bowlers Shane Watson and Michael Clarke made short work of the Indian tail-enders before lunch.

Khan picked up where he left off at stumps on day three, working his way towards his second Test half-century, but lost batting partner Anil Kumble (5) lbw to Watson an hour into the session.

Ishant Sharma joined Khan (57 not out) at the crease, but the pair could only narrow Australia's lead to 70 before Clarke (2 for 38) dislodged Sharma's bails when the lanky bowler was on 6.

The Bangalore pitch was showing serious signs of wear before the start of play, making for some unpredictable bounce and movement off the deck.

Khan and Kumble resumed the Indian innings at 8 for 313, building on a momentum-changing 80-run partnership between the paceman and Harbhajan late on day three.

Harbhajan was dismissed for 54 not long before the umpires called stumps due to bad light, and Zaheer returned to the sheds unbeaten on 35.

Paceman Mitchell Johnson was the best of the Australian bowling attack on day three.