Brisbane, Dec 08: India were bowled out for 409 in their first innings after losing the last four wickets for 47 runs on the final day of the opening Test against Australia today. Leading by 39 runs overnight, India extended their advantage to 86 before the innings came to an end 90 minutes before lunch.

With less than a full day to go, the match seemed certain to finish in a draw after the first three days at the Gabba were interrupted by rain. Australia were bowled out for 323 in their first innings. Fast bowler Andy Bichel triggered the collapse on the fifth morning when he had Ajit Agarkar caught by Matthew Hayden for 12 off the first ball of the day, giving the slip fielder his fourth catch of the innings.

Bichel then held a spectacular outfield catch in the next over by Jason Gillespie to get rid of wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel without addition to his overnight 37.

Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan added a quick 41 for the ninth wicket before Stuart Macgill mopped up the tail. The leg spinner bowled Khan for 27 and then trapped Ashish Nehra leg before wicket for a duck to leave Harbhajan stranded on 19 not out.

Macgill and Gillespie finished with four wickets each. Indian captain Saurav Ganguly top scored with 144 while Vangipurappu Laxman made 75.

Bureau Report