Before you could say Rip van Winkle, India lost three for six in 22 deliveries to squander all the initiative wrested through hard grind and immense self-discipline, allowing the hosts to take the Boxing Day Test by the scruff of the neck.

The Indian batting contingent looked really set and steady as they began their chase of the 474 runs put up by Australia on the board during the first innings of the fourth test that is taking place at the MCG.