Second Test: Australia take 97-run 1st innings lead

Brisbane, Dec 19:

Magnificent century by captain Steven Smith and quick-fire half centuries by Mitchell Johnson (88) and Mitchell Starc (52) helped Australia take a vital first innings lead of 97 runs against India on the third day of the Second Test here today.

Resuming their innings at 351 for 6, Australia piled up runs as Smith and Johnson put up 151-run partnership.

Starc played a cameo innings of 52 runs while fast bowler Josh Hazlewood remained not out on 32.

The Austalian innings folded at 505 at the post-tea session.

Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav bagged three wickets each while Varun Aaron and R Ashwin took two wickets each.