While the Delhi pitch looked like a minefield for Australia’s batsmen, India’s openers showed a mastery of conditions by racing to 0-59 at lunch on day two of the fourth Test.

Cheteshwar Pujara (28 not out) and Murali Vijay (23 not out) saw off Australia’s pace attack of James Pattinson, Mitchell Johnson (0-28 off six overs) and Peter Siddle without loss in 14 high-scoring overs before lunch after Australia had been bowled out for 262.

Tailender Siddle top-scored for Australia on Saturday with a determined knock of 51 – his maiden Test half-century.

The struggling tourists had resumed on 8-231 and lost the wickets of Siddle and Pattinson.

No.9 batsman Siddle shared half-century partnerships with Steve Smith (46) and Pattinson (30) after Australia had been 7-136.

Offspinner Ravi Ashwin claimed 5-57 off 34 overs, notching his fourth five-wicket haul of the series.

Ashwin said India’s three-pronged spin attack was enjoying the Delhi pitch.

“It is breaking up. We just hope it breaks up more,” Ashwin said on Friday night.

Smith had been confident overnight that Australia’s bowlers could have success.

“It’s not too often you see the wicket turning like that the first day of a Test match,” he said.

“It is going to be pretty tough (for batsmen).”

Australia’s spinners Nathan Lyon and Glenn Maxwell, who has returned to the field following a gastro complaint, have yet to bowl in the match.

India lead the four-match series three-nil.