India are in complete control of the second Test at Mohali entering day four.

Openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag shared a brisk unbeaten 102-run stand to effectively snuff out whatever hope remained for the tourists, who were not asked to follow-on despite falling two runs short of the target.

Gambhir and Sehwag turned what had been made out by the Australian batsmen to be a difficult batting wicket into the flattest of decks, being particularly savage on anything loose and confident in their strokeplay. The quick Mohali outfield offers good value for money, and the openers were not afraid to play their shots - a contrast to the timid fashion in which some of the Australians played.

With a lead of 303 heading into the fourth day, it is simply a matter of not if, but when India will declare. If Australia are able to rejuvenate their batting upon the realisation that this pitch still holds few gremlins, save for some real grip and turn for Amit Mishra and Harbhajan Singh, then India may want a full five sessions to bowl them out. Holding such a substantial lead means there is no time for complacency, as a draw will be considered a loss from the position India have batted themselves into.

Earlier, Australia's feted deep batting line-up again failed to deliver as Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin and Cameron White all departed before lunch on day three. Brett Lee and Shane Watson combined to produce some much-needed resistance, but their 73-run partnership for the eighth wicket was not sufficient to pull Australia back into the game.

Watson was the clear pick of the batsmen, playing the spinners with much more control than all of his contemporaries en route to a career-best 78.