Bangalore: Australians are going strong at the end of the third day of the first Test against India in Bangalore as they have already taken a huge lead of 355 runs. Michael Clarke and Damien Martyn appears to be in good nick and Australia can easily take the lead past 500 runs tomorrow when it could be called an unassailable lead.

Aussies who did not chose the option to make India bat again are unlikely to declare between the 400-450 mark to lure Indians into attempt for victory as they know very well that the Indian batting line-up can overhaul that target on a pitch that has not started signs of wearing down yet.

On a day when Indian lower order put up a creditable performance but failed to reach the target to avoid follow-on, Indians are clearly on the backfoot, but Australians are still cautious as they have not forgotten the last tour.

Pathan stuck early when umpire Steve Bucknor ruled an lbw appeal against Justin Langer in his favour and Langer was out for naught.

Then Harbhajan Singh ran out dangerous Hayden (30) proving how direct hits never cease to amaze.

Then Rahul Dravid took his 100th catch in Tests off Anil Kumble to dismiss Simon Katich who had made 39 by then and was well set for a huge score.

Darren Lehmann once again failed and put his place in the team in jeopardy. He was caught off Harbhajan Singh by Aakash Chopra.

Earlier Parthiv Patel and Irfan Pathan had frustrated Australian bowlers on a pitch which nullified the ferocity of pace bowlers. They successfully overcame the intimidating tactics of the Aussies to stay in the crease for a long time. Pathan was hit on the head once while Patel evaded the bouncers and at times hooked them to the boundary.

Anil Kumble, who came after Pathan's dismissal, carried on the good work and made 26. Harbhajan Singh, tried to play shots even though the situation asked for patience and a longer stay on the crease and paid the price when he offered a simple catch to Lehmann off McGrath.

Indian innings came to an end 28 runs short of the follow-on mark when Jason Gillespie clean bowled Anil Kumble. But the cautious Australians decided not to enforce follow-on.