Ajinkya Rahane (112) could add only eight more to his overnight score, while India too couldn’t make much of the first session, folding up for 326 in their first innings.

But their bowlers once again ensured the lead of 131 proved more than sizeable and rather intimidating for the defensive-minded Australian batsmen, putting the visitors in complete control of this Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

At stumps on Day III, Australia were wobbling at 133 for six, a lead of just two runs, with India well placed to level the series.

India were also a bowler short as Umesh Yadav, after bowling just 3.3 overs and dismissing Joe Burns, left the field due to discomfort in his calf muscle. But that did not deter India as the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin struck to remove the two pillars of the rival batting line-up — Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, respectively — and continued to be spot-on with their line and length.

Having contributed a solid 57 with the bat, Ravindra Jadeja also picked up a couple of wickets, that of the set Matthew Wade and captain Tim Paine, though the latter appeared to be miffed by the DRS verdict. Debutant Mohammed Siraj too continued with his supporting role.

“We discussed with Jassibhai (Bumrah) that he and myself were the only two pacers out there. But our spinners too did a good job with the ball. Had it been five bowlers, it could have been even better for us, but four of us did quite well,” Siraj said at the post-stumps virtual media conference.

“We bowled a lot of dot balls. The wicket wasn’t helping much, so we tried to create pressure with dot balls.”

Going forward, all they need to do is stick to the basics against the Australian lower order and not look to experiment much, Siraj stated.

“We don’t need to experiment against the tailenders and should just stick to the basics.

“Yes, the wicket has slowed down, but what we need to do is be patient and keep hitting the same area,” Siraj said.

Talking about his own bowling, Siraj acknowledged the help he got from Bumrah in this Test. “He told me, ‘you are doing well, so keep hitting the same area. Something or the other will definitely happen, just be patient’. Those words helped me a lot.”