Australia v India: Marsh hits key half-century

Marsh's half-century was his first on home soil

Batsman Shaun Marsh struck a key half-century to help Australia to a 326-run lead over India on day four of the third Test and all but seal the series.

India resumed their first innings on 462-8 and added three runs.

Marsh then hit an unbeaten 62 to steer Australia to 261-7 after openers David Warner (40) and Chris Rogers (69) had built a solid second innings platform.

Leading 2-0, Australia need only a draw in Melbourne to wrap up the four-match series which concludes in Sydney.

The tourists were dismissed within 15 minutes of the start of play, losing their last two wickets to fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, who finished with 3-135.

Warner hit a run-a-ball 40 as Australia reached 90-1 at lunch and after play resumed following a rain delay.

Ishant Sharma kept India in the contest by removing Shane Watson for 17 before Umesh Yadav took the important wicket of Australia captain Steven Smith, who had scored a century in each of last three innings, for 14.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin then had Rogers playing onto his stumps late in the afternoon session leaving Marsh, who had come in after the dismissal of Smith, and debutant Joe Burns at the crease.

The pair resumed after tea on 174-4 but Burns was caught for nine by India captain and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni off the bowling of Ishant.

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin added 13 before he was caught down the leg side by Dhoni off Yadav while Johnson swiped at a bouncer off Mohammed Shami and holed out for 15, finding Ajinkya Rahane at midwicket.

The highest successful fourth innings chase at the MCG was achieved by England in 1928-29, when they managed 332 for victory.