Sydney Test: India struggling to avoid defeat, Australia on verge of victory on Day 4

Sydney: India were battling to stave off defeat at the end of Day Four of the third Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Cheteshwar Pujara (9 batting ) and stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane (4 batting) were at the crease when the umpires decided to call off play for the day. 

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Chasing a stiff target of 407 runs, India posted 98/2 at stumps.

India were off to a steady start in their second innings as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put together an opening partnership of 71 runs.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood handed Australia their first breakthrough when Shubman Gill was caught behind. Rohit Sharma (52) was dismissed by Pat Cummins shortly, soon after completing a well-made half-century.

Earlier Australia put themselves in a winning position in the third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) as they declared their second innings at 312/6 at Tea on Day Four.

Australia have thus set a tough target of 407 runs for India.

Cameron Green was the standout performer for Australia. He scored 84 before after being caught behind by substitute wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha off fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah's bowling. 

Cameron Green and Australia skipper Tim Paine posted 104 runs between them. Tim Paine remained unbeaten on 39.