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PHOTOS: Dhoni makes a point, Aussies don't quite enjoy it
Mahendra Singh Dhoni gave an exhibition of blistering strokeplay to hit a career-best undefeated 206 while Virat Kohli cracked 107 as India rode on their captain's batting brilliance to gain control of the first cricket Test against Australia by taking a substantial 135-run first innings lead in Chennai on Sunday.
The Indian captain set the M A Chidambaram stadium ablaze with his amazing strokeplay as he smashed 22 boundaries and five sixes during his 243-ball assault much to the delight of a sizeable Sunday crowd which cheered the Indians as they went about consolidating their position in the match.
Hosts reached a commanding total of 515
Dhoni produced a stunning counter-attacking knock to notch up his maiden double hundred, his sixth Test century overall, while Kohli recorded his fourth in longer format as the hosts reached a commanding 515 for eight at close, on an eventful third day's play.
The Indians found the going a little tough in the pre-lunch session as the runs dried up but the second new ball saw the game slipping away from the Australians as both Dhoni and Kohli attacked the bowlers with an array of shots on both sides of the wicket.
Kohli paid the price for a lapse in concentration
The duo added 128 runs for the fifth wicket before off-spinner Nathan Lyon provided the breakthrough for the visitors with India still 56 runs short of Australia's first innings total.
Kohli paid the price for a lapse in concentration as he tried to lift a delivery from Nathan Lyon over mid-on but could not get the desired elevation and Mitchell Starc latched on to a good catch. Kohli clobbered 15 boundaries and a six during his 206-ball knock.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar complemented Dhoni
Dhoni then took centre-stage and virtually singlehandedly took India to a position of strength with a superb batting display in hot and humid conditions.
After Kohli's dismissal, India lost another three wickets in periodic intervals as Ravindra Jadeja (16), Ravichandran Ashwin (3) and Harbhajan Singh (11) were back in the pavilion.
However Bhuvneshwar Kumar (15 batting) complemented his skipper really well as they put on a record 109 runs for ninth wicket partnership against Australia.
India will look to increase lead
With couple of days left in the match, India will look to increase their lead as much as possible and then try to push for victory by bundling out the Aussies cheaply in the second innings as the track is expected to deteriorate gradually.
Pattinson was certainly the best bowler for the Aussies
Among the Australian bowlers, Pattinson was certainly the best as he got four for 89 from his 26 overs but Siddle and Starc will be disappointed on not being able to get breakthroughs despite bowling 47 overs between them.
While left-arm pacer Starc wasn't able to hit the right length consistently, Siddle at least managed to keep things tight.
Nathan Lyon (3/182 in 40 overs) predictably bowled the most number of overs but was clobbered consistently by Dhoni.
Lyon stumps Tendulkar
The Indian innings progressed at a snail's pace on Sunday morning.
It was Nathan Lyon who struck first, hitting Sachin Tendulkar's (81) stumps. The Master Blaster's 159-ball knock was inclusive of seven hits to the fence and he put 91 runs for the fourth wicket with Virat Kohli.
Fans thronged to the stadium
There was a huge crowd at the MA Chidambaram stadium.
Sachin Tendulkar was unbeaten on 71, and fans thronged to see their favourite batsman score a century. But the fans were disappointed.