Struggling Australia follow on

As the metaphoric dark clouds enveloping Australian cricket grew more menacing, gloomy weather provided more resistance to India than most of the home side’s batsmen at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Virat Kohli’s team enforced the follow-on after snatching a first-innings lead of 322 runs on day four of the fourth test, marking the first time Australia had been asked to bat again in a home test since 1988.

Australia, rolled for 300 in their first dig, reached 6-0 in their second innings yesterday when bad light prompted an early tea break and ruined any hope of further play.

It’s the first time any team has had the option of asking Australia to follow on twice in a home summer.

Australia, reeling from a record three-consecutive declarations this series, gave up their biggest first-innings deficit at the famed venue since 1936.

Kohli will inflict unprecedented ignominy when he becomes the first man to lead India to a test series win in Australia, ending a barren streak that dates back to 1948.

The only question is whether Australia will salvage a draw today or the Indians will complete a crushing 3-1 series victory.

Yesterday’s morning session was washed out and play eventually started at 1:49pm.

Australia, resuming at 236-6, quickly lost 3-22 a day after their top order folded in a collapse of

3-24.

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who was dropped on zero, combined for a final-wicket stand of 42 that spanned 14 overs but only delayed the inevitable.

Recalled tweaker Kuldeep Yadav finished with figures of

5-99.