Australia attempt to set up Test win after collapse

Heavy clouds continue to surround the ground, and more rain is forecast for Wednesday afternoon after most of the first session was also washed out.

Steve Smith is back on his way to the pavilion— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) 📺 Watch #AUSvIND LIVE on Kayo: https://t.co/vG2uGJTaeq�� BLOG: https://t.co/VJOVl5ZkEd🔢 MATCH CENTRE: https://t.co/lFD9Qf9Og8 pic.twitter.com/eE0pfHIintDecember 18, 2024

Australia went all out in their bid to set up the contest and try and claim a 2-1 series lead, with wickets tumbling and most batters falling to attacking shots.

Usman Khawaja was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah on eight, while Marnus Labuschagne was caught behind off the quick on one.

Nathan McSweeney also played a poor shot to be caught behind cutting Akash Deep on four, while Mitch Marsh also edged off to Akash on two.

After walking out at No.6 Steve Smith was also caught behind down legside off Mohammed Siraj on four, as Australia fell to 5-33.

Travis Head (17), Alex Carey (20no) and Pat Cummins (22) added some respectability to the board, as the only men to reach double figures.

The hosts will argue that the wickets were in the interest of team play, given the match situation.

But it will also shine a light on the out-of-form top order, with Labuschagne's 70 in Adelaide the only half-century from any of the top three in this series.

Mohammed Siraj was among the wicket takers as India crashed through the Aussie top order. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

And while Khawaja and McSweeney have struggled for runs, 19-year-old Sam Konstas has continued to score big in domestic cricket.

Australia's declaration will also put more overs into the legs of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, following Josh Hazlewood's calf injury on Tuesday.

With Hazlewood out for the rest of the series,  Cummins (4-81) and Mitchell Starc (3-83) were forced to bowl 46 overs between them in India's first-innings of 260.