Australia’s grip on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is almost over after the tourists set India a modest target of 133 runs to win the third Test in Mohali on Monday.

Michael Clarke’s men were bowled out for 233 in their second innings after lunch on day five. A minimum of 27 overs remain in the day’s play.

It could have been much worse for Australia who resumed on 3-75 and collapsed to 8-143 before Brad Haddin (30), Mitchell Starc (35) and Xavier Doherty (18 not out) added 80 runs for the last two wickets.

Clarke was clearly troubled by a back injury and was out for 18 batting at No.6.

The skipper could be in doubt for the fourth and final Test in Delhi on March 22.

Clarke’s vice-captain Shane Watson, one of four players suspended for the third Test over the homeworkgate affair, was en route to Delhi on Monday after returning to Sydney for the birth of his first child.

Having been labelled a good team man “sometimes” by Cricket Australia’s high-performance chief Pat Howard last week, Watson is now facing the prospect of leading the side in the fourth Test if Clarke is ruled unfit.

The latest twist in the Watson saga comes after the two-time Allan Border Medallist had called his ban harsh and claimed he was considering his playing future.

Watson now says he has had several constructive discussions with Howard and they’re both on the same page after what Watson described as an emotional week.

“I’m entirely committed to the team and being the best player I can be,” Watson said on Monday.

Phil Hughes, with only 27 runs in his first five outings in the series, provided the only highlight of Australia’s second innings with a fine knock of 69.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja claimed Clarke’s wicket for the fifth time in the series, caught at bat-pad.

Hughes received a howler of a decision from umpire Aleem Dar who adjudged the left-hander lbw to spinner Ravi Ashwin.

Australia trail two-nil in the four-match series.