Ryan Harris took a wicket with the last ball of the session as India went to tea on day three at 6-225, needing another 179 to avoid the follow-on in the fourth Test against Australia.

Right-handed No.6 Virat Kohli is unbeaten on 91, chasing his maiden century in his eighth Test.

Kohli had shared a partnership of 114 with wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha but Saha shouldered arms in the last over before the break and was bowled for 35.

Australia had taken the second new ball when it was due after 80 overs and the breakthrough finally came in the 85th over, just when it seemed India could go through a session without losing a wicket.

India had resumed on 2-61 on Thursday in perfect batting conditions at a sunny Adelaide Oval and yet the tourists lost three wickets before lunch.

Paceman Peter Siddle (3-41) led Australia’s dominance of the pre-lunch session, claiming the prize wicket of Sachin Tendulkar for 25.

Tendulkar edged a low catch to Ricky Ponting at second slip to make it 3-78 and Gautam Gambhir (34) fell in Siddle’s next over, caught at gully.

VVS Laxman (120 runs at 17.14) continued his poor series when he was caught behind for 18, edging a cut shot from spinner Nathan Lyon’s bowling as keeper Brad Haddin pouched a neat catch.

Kohli made a case for batting higher in the order, hitting seven fours and one six in his 182-ball knock to follow on from his impressive 75 in the third Test in Perth.

Australia lead the four-match series 3-0.