SYDNEY (Australia): India face an uphill task to save defeat against Australia after losing two wickets before the close of play on Sunday in the third Test.
The hosts declared their second innings at tea on day four at 312 for six, leaving India needing a mammoth 407 to win and they reached 98-2 at stumps, still needing a further 309 runs with the four-match series locked at 1-1.
No team has ever bettered 288 to clinch victory in the fourth innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Australia achieving that mark against South Africa in 2006.
Australia declared their second innings at tea on day four Sunday, setting India 407 to win the third Test at Sydney.
The hosts went to the break on 312 for six, with Cameron Green out for 84 off the last ball before the break, during which captain Tim Paine called a halt.
Steve Smith scored 81 and Marnus Labuschagne 73 with Ravi Ashwin and Mohammed Saini both taking two wickets each.
India have a mountain to climb, with the highest successful run chase at the Sydney Cricket Ground being 288, by Australia against South Africa in 2006.
India were dismissed for 244 in their first innings in reply to the hosts’ 338.
