Australia were dismissed for 474 in the first innings post-lunch on day two of the fourth test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
Australia captain Pat Cummins threw the coin and took the bat first.
Steve Smith (140) was back as India’s oppressor in chief with an 11th century for the nation on Friday.
The tailender was also a run-scorer for Australia captain Pat Cummins who had fallen for 49 as he and Smith took an 112-run partnership after the teams resumed on 311 for six at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Smith had hit a drought-eclipsing 101 in the third Test in Brisbane, and was unbeaten on 139, tailender Mitchell Starc on 15.
Smith mentioned his 34th test 100, second in the series, with a clean, off-drive four off Nitish Kumar Reddy.
As runs fell off the bowling by India fast-break man Mohammed Siraj in his pathetic Test, home fans teased when he came on or took the wicket.
Siraj, India’s nemesis since sent Travis Head to the shed in the Adelaide test, sent two bouncers high above Rishabh Pant’s gloves for five byes each.
Smith had stumped for six and four in a row, but Siraj went into the session wicketless in the test for 115 runs.
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