McGuire still 'sad' about Malthouse

Trouble at Collingwood ... Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has expressed his sadness over the breakdown of his relationship with former Magpies' coach Mick Malthouse, but maintains he has no regrets about the way he ended the premiership coach's 12-year tenure with the Pies.

In a candid interview with Mike Sheahan in the first episode of Open Mike of 2013, McGuire was asked about the contentious deal that was to see Nathan Buckley replace Malthouse as senior coach at the end of the 2011 season.

The arrangement that would have seen Malthouse take on the newly created role of director of coaching ended in acrimony when the 2010 premiership coach severed ties with the club before taking on the job late in 2011 as planned.

"I'm very sad, to be honest. It (the friendship) will come back," McGuire said of his strained relationship with Malthouse.
 
"I think Mick is a person who really generates energy off the 'us against them' and the 'them' is Collingwood now.
 
"Personally, I was a bit disappointed that there was such enmity last year and both sides got emotional at stages because we were so close.
 
"Mick's contribution was profound at the Collingwood Football Club and when the time is right he will be made a life member, definitely a hall of famer, and a legend of the club.
 
"I'll be driving that because his contribution was fantastic. Things will sort themselves out."

The relationship appeared beyond repair last year when the pair exchanged barbs in the media with McGuire declaring Malthouse "wouldn't have a friend at Collingwood" after the former coach publicly questioned Buckley's game plan.

After spending 2012 in various media roles Malthouse went on to replace Brett Ratten in September after the Blues champion was sacked as Carlton coach.

"Mick has a view why this all came about and I know exactly why it came about from my point of view," McGuire said.

"Everything we did was for the good of Mick in that situation.
 
"He wanted to coach … good, and it probably refreshed him. He'll be out there and a great coach this year, but I have absolutely zero worries about what I did with Mick Malthouse.
 
"The only regret I have is it didn't pan out, that Mick didn't stay to be the position I wanted him to be at Collingwood."

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India scrape home in nail-biter

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Pumped ... Virat Kohli top-scored for India on day five. Source: Aijaz Rahi / AAP

Australia conceded the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after India's six-wicket win with 15 balls to spare on Monday in the third Test in Mohali, despite a brave last-day effort from the tourists.

3rd Test - Punjab Cricket Association Stadium

14 March 2013 - Day 5, Session 3

India 2nd Innings

M. Dhoni	18	28	3	0	64.29
R. Jadeja	8	5	2	0	160
M. Starc	10.3	1	51	0	4.86

Set 133 to win, India made 4-136.

Skipper MS Dhoni finished unbeaten on 18 after hitting three consecutive fours at the start of the 34th over to close the match.

Openers Murali Vijay (26) and Cheteshwar Pujara (28) shared a 42-run stand and Virat Kohli's departure for 34 at 3-103 brought hard-hitting Dhoni to the crease.

Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar added just 13 runs off 33 balls and Tendulkar (21) was run out by David Warner at 4-116 with 4.5 overs left, as the tension ramped up a notch in Mohali.

However Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja (8no) hit a flurry of boundaries in the next two overs to put the match in India's keeping against an Australian side that showed plenty of fight on the final day's play.

Australia captain Michael Clarke admitted his back injury could prevent him from playing in Friday's fourth Test  but failed to clarify if Shane Watson would take over as skipper.

Clarke was keen to focus on the positives when discussing Watson's return.

"It's very positive that Watto is coming back,'' Clarke said, attempting to put an end to the speculation over the past week about Watson's personality clashes with his Australia's captain, coach Mickey Arthur and high-performance chief Pat Howard.

"I know all the boys are looking forward to having him back and no doubt if I am unavailable ... I haven't spoken to the selectors but I would imagine that Watto would be captain,'' said Clarke, who is also a selector himself.

Watson, one of four players suspended for the third Test over the homeworkgate affair, was en route to Delhi on Monday after returning to Sydney for the birth of his first child.

Having been labelled a good team man sometimes by Howard last week, Watson is now facing the prospect of leading the side if Clarke is ruled unfit.

Clarke's dual roles as skipper and leading batsman in the side would leave a gaping hole if he was absent and the 31-year-old is confident he can protect a proud record over his 92-Test career.

"It's pretty sore," Clarke said.

"Fortunately I have got a few days before the next Test and I will spend as much time with Alex (team physio Alex Kountouris) as I can to get it right.

"It is the same problem I have had since I was 17 and I have been trying to manage it throughout my career.

"The next four days will be no different to normal when my back goes on me like this.

"It's about plenty of treatment, listening to the experts and doing everything I can to get it right for the next Test match.

"Touch wood I haven't missed a Test match due to injury so far in my career and I wouldn't like this to be my first one."

Earlier, Clarke's men resumed on 3-75 in their second innings and were bowled out for 23.

Phil Hughes regained form with a fighting knock of 69, in which he was very unlucky to be given out lbw. Clarke was clearly troubled by a back injury and was out for 18 batting at No.6.

Shikhar Dhawan received the man-of-the-match award in Mohali for his brilliant knock of 187 on Test debut.

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Relive all the action from the dramatic final day with our Match Centre.

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'Heads are going to go at Bombers'

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The Bombers ... trying to focus on their opening-round clash. Source: Tim Carrafa / News Limited

Veteran AFL journalist Mike Sheahan has warned that the drugs scandal that has rocked the code - and wider sporting community in Australia - will see heads roll at Essendon.

	3:15 PM Melbourne Cricket Ground
All times are listed in EDT

The Bombers are under three investigations for supplements that players took in the 2012 AFL season.

The ASADA investigation will take months, while the AFL is also looking into what happened at Essendon and the club itself has commissioned an independent review into what chairman David Evans has called "irregular practices".

Sheahan, speaking on the return of FOX FOOTY's On The Couch on Monday night, said the opening of the AFL season this weekend provided a break, but not the end of the issue for the game.

"We've got a diversion, it's definitely not behind us," Sheahan said.

"This has dented the AFL reputation more than (anything) I can remember.

"There's no doubt there's been a serious breakdown in governance at the Essendon Football Club," Sheahan added.

"I think some heads are going to go (at Essendon).

"The reputation of the game and specifically the footy club has been badly hurt in this.

"And it shouldn't happen. Whatever the substances this is shocking in the literal sense of the word.

"When you pick up the paper and you read that a group of young blokes have been taken off site to have injections administered to the abdomen with a supplement we're not sure about, I am staggered that nobody in the football department, the medical department, the coaches, parents or players blew the whistle on that.

"I am staggered it went on as long as it did."

Brownlow medallist Gerard Healy said the situation at Essendon would likely lead to a change in practices across the competition.

"To me the issue is 40 injections into the gut is a no-go zone," Healy said.

"If anything comes out of this I think we're going to understand that if you have an injection in football it's potentially to allow you to play at your best, not to improve your best.

"Because that is what this supplement program is all about. It's making you a better player than you otherwise were.

"If you have to become a battery hen to become a top-line AFL footballer then we've lost our way.

"The information will go from one club to the next club to the next club so there's no net gain. Everyone will be doing 40 injections and all we're doing is diminishing our brand."

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Sharks want Flanagan back: Sharp

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Shane Flanagan ... remains a popular figure at the Cronulla club. Source: Tracey Nearmy / AAP

Interim Cronulla coach Peter Sharp admits he has no idea if Shane Flanagan will be reinstated as head coach on Tuesday, but says everyone involved with the side wants him back in the driver's seat.

A board meeting scheduled for Tuesday is set to decide Flanagan's future with the club, after he was stood down pending a further investigation into his role in the 2011 drugs scandal currently engulfing the club.

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Four other football staff members were sacked as a result of the initial probe, while Flanagan was given a stay of execution, but Sharp was adamant this would remain Flanagan's team.

"I've got no idea," Sharp said when asked if Flanagan would be reinstated on Tuesday.

"He's the coach of this football club and everybody in the football club wants him back, myself included.

"Let's hope we get some closure on that as well."

Of the players, Sharp said it was hard to forget the drama surrounding as many as 14 squad members who are believed to be in the sights of ASADA.

It is believed ASADA's interviews with players will be held next week after originally being scheduled for this week.

"There's certainly a cloud hanging over the place to some degree," Sharp said.

"It would be nice to get some closure on it all, one way or the other."

Meanwhile former Olympic basketballer Damian Keogh has emerged as a possible chairman candidate at the club.

Keogh is believed to be on a ticket involving a group of Sutherland Shire businessmen.

Nominations for the April 16 AGM closed on Monday.

Former Cronulla chairman Damian Irvine stood down last week following controversial comments made in relation to the drugs scandal, but it is believed he will seek re-election to the board.

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Hughes, Aussies hold on in Mohali

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Resurgent ... Hughes made his highest score of the series on day four. Source: Manan Vatsyayana / AAP

Australia crashed to 3-75 in their second innings on Sunday and face an uphill task to avoid another massive defeat in the third Test against India with one day's play remaining.

3rd Test - Punjab Cricket Association Stadium

14 March 2013 - Day 4, Session 3

Australia 2nd Innings

P. Hughes	53	68	9	1	77.94
N. Lyon	4	17	1	0	23.53
R. Ashwin	7	2	25	0	3.57

Trailing 2-0 and needing to win the last two matches to square the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Michael Clarke's side look like sitting ducks against India's bowling attack, especially with the skipper Clarke yet to bat because of a sore back.

Australia trail India by 16 runs, with Phillip Hughes the unlikely saviour late on day four.

David Warner played a loose cut shot and was caught behind for two to paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar on the third delivery of the innings.

Kumar (3-25) also removed Ed Cowan lbw for eight at 2-35 and Steve Smith was bowled by Kumar for five.

Hughes, with just 27 runs in his first five knocks in the series and clinging desperately to his place in the side, was sent in at No.3 and has smashed a defiant 53 not out off 68 balls.

Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon is unbeaten on four.

Team physio Alex Kountouris said Clarke had injured his back during the warm-up on Sunday morning.

"He'll undergo further treatment overnight," Kountouris said.

"We'll assess that and see how it settles in the morning to determine when he's able to bat."

Earlier, India claimed a first-innings lead of 91 after tea with a total of 499.

Paceman Peter Siddle showed his trademark grit on a flat Mohali pitch to claim 5-71 off 29.1 back-breaking overs.

Spinners Lyon (1-124) and Xavier Doherty (0-87) had little impact while occasional leggie Smith (1-63) served up plenty of half-trackers in his 10 overs, although he did pick up the crucial wicket of Sachin Tendulkar.

Shikhar Dhawan (187) and Murali Vijay (153) hit centuries in a 289-run stand, having resumed on Sunday on 0-283.

India went to lunch at 3-384 and moved ahead of Australia's 408 in the 101st over, which was the last with the old ball.

Mitchell Starc's inswingers claimed two lbws to remove Vijay and MS Dhoni (four) in the first five balls with the new cherry.

Siddle dismissed Ravindra Jadeja (eight) and Ravi Ashwin (four) in consecutive overs as India slumped to 7-431.

Kumar (18) was caught behind to Moises Henriques shortly after tea, ending a 61-run partnership with Virat Kohli (67 not out).

Siddle took the last two wickets to fall to move to 148 from 40 Tests.

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Follow all the day five action LIVE with our Match Centre, and watch the drama unfold LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION from 2.20pm (EDT) Monday on Fox Sports 2.

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'Storm cloud ruins JT's night'

Melbourne Storm ... too clinical for the Cowboys. Source: Colin Whelan / AAP

In his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts and predictions of round two of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

Eels vs Bulldogs, ANZ Stadium

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This was an intense, back and fourth game for the full 80 minutes. Parramatta should be enormously proud of the effort. They were competitive but crucial errors early in the tackle count hurt them. However, they will take a lot out of the game while it was a gutsy win for the Bulldogs. With Ben Barba missing the 'Dogs are yet to reach their full potential in attack. Josh Jackson was outstanding and pushing for a regular place in the starting side while Josh Reynolds is maturing as a genuine ball player.

Dragons vs Broncos, WIN Stadium

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The Dragons had plenty of ball and opportunities to score in the first half but superhuman defensive efforts from the Broncos frustrated the opposition, causing them to stray from their game plan. Justin Hodges and Matt Gillett were outstanding for Brisbane, while returning playmaker Scott Prince and Peter Wallace combination is slowly starting to click. The Dragons showed a lot of character in the first half. Trent Merrin has found his position at lock. He asked a lot of questions of the Broncos defence and would be feeling confident facing the Raiders in Canberra.

Warriors vs Roosters, Eden Park

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The Roosters had the game wrapped up but a little spark from Shaun Johnson had the Warriors back in the contest, revealing some holes in Sydney Roosters defence. Big Ben Matalino was outstanding for the Warriors, taking it to the Roosters pack like a one man army. Sonny Bill Williams showed improvement in his first game as a starter. Trent Robisnon will be happy to get his first win as a coach regardless of how ugly the win might have been. The Roosters discipline improved from the previous week, but they let the Warriors back into the game.

Cowboys vs Storm, 1300SMILES Stadium

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Melbourne sent a massive reminder that they should be the favourites in this competition. They blew away the Cowboys in the middle of the park which isn't easy considering North Queensland's arsenal of big men. The Storm's guard was up all night. They are so disciplined and play an up-tempo game that is very hard to compete with. Cooper Cronk was magical, executing the game plan with surgical precision. Billy Slater and Cameron Smith were brilliant in attack as well but it was defence that won them the game. They also ruined Jonathan Thurston's celebration at 1300SMILES Stadium.

Titans vs Raiders, Skilled Park

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Canberra made a lot of mistakes and the game was over at halftime. In the end you can't be that poor in such a close competition. If you make a lot of tackles against a team like the Titans who are a large side with pace around the ruck you are going to let in points. Ultimately the Raiders conceded too many soft tries and were out-enthused by the Titans. It's a big year for John Cartwright – he has been there for some time and has the players he wants. Expectations are high and they give the competition a shake this season.

Tigers vs Panthers, Campbelltown Sports Stadium

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Tigers coach Mick Potter copped criticism following last Monday's loss to Newcastle but will be relieved following Sunday's win.  It will give him belief that what he is working on is right and vice versa with the players. Benji Marshall showed touches of his brilliance after a quiet game last week.  The Panthers will be competitive this year but it came down to a touch more class with Marshall out pointing Luke Walsh. He knew when to make the big plays and when to settle the side. It wasn't pretty or flashy but it was a starting point for the Tigers.

Sea Eagles vs Knights, Brookvale Oval

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Manly sent the competition a reminder of just how good they are - especially at Brookvale. Their key individuals in Kite, Stewart and their halves lead and guide the side around the park. The Manly halves were relentless, while Watmough was at his damaging best around the ruck. They love playing the bully and they play it extremely well. They are a side who like to dominate and they do in attack and defence. They would have been more excited by keeping Newcastle to zero than the 32 points they scored. Newcastle were ambushed at the start of the game.
 

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Video: Goal of the Week R25

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Stunning strikes ... Marcelo Carrusca, Golgol Mebrahtu and Iacopo La Rocca netted fine goals. Source:AAP

This week's A-League Goal of the Week contenders include a fine finish made in Argentina, a two-touch masterclass from the Wanderers and an absolute rocket from the aptly-named Golgol Mebrahtu.

Entrants must be 18 or over and hold a current full Australian driver's licence.

The competition commences on, 27 January 2013 at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on 5 April 2013 at 5:00pm AEDT and is divided into 10 weekly periods.

Each weekly period opens on Sunday at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on the following Friday at 5:00pm AEDT.

One entry per weekly entry period.

This competition is authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/13/00440, ACT TP13/00141, Victorian Permit No. 13/117 & SA Licence No. T13/61.

Adelaide import Marcelo Carusca netted a crucial left-footed goal against the Jets on Friday night that ensured the Reds will finish in the top four and host an all-important home final.

The man with the coolest name in the A-League - Golgol Mebrahtu - is known to pull off the spectacular, as the Wanderers found out at a wet AAMI Park on Saturday.

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His rocket from outside the box wasn't enough as the Wanderers prevailed 3-1, but it does earn him a nomination for our Goal of the Week.

Rounding out this week's efforts is Iacopo La Rocca and his two touches straight out of the top drawer.

In tricky conditions, the Italian cushioned the ball perfectly before curling it past the outstretched Andrew Redmayne and into the bottom corner, killing of the Heart's hopes.

Which was the best? Watch them all above and vote right here.

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Fox Sports and Hyundai are giving fans the chance to win by voting in the Goal of the Week competition.

The major prize winner will drive home the all-new Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo. Delivering both street presence and dynamic performance, with 150kW of grunt and 265Nm of torque delivered by a twin-scroll turbocharged engine, you'll be the envy of all of your friends.

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The runner-up prize winner will win tickets to a corporate box at the Hyundai A-League grand final including return economy flights, transfers and two nights' accommodation to enjoy with three friends.

There is also a weekly cash prize of $300 up for grabs.

To enter, simply visit our competition page here each week to vote for your favourite goal and submit your details below.

Enjoy the video, good luck, and don't forget to return weekly from 830pm (EDT) each Sunday for your feast of great goals and chance to win!

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Sachin only Indian without hundred

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Trouble in paradise ... Tendulkar's powers appear to be on the wane. Source: Rob Griffith / AAP

The superb performances by India's batsmen this series have had one negative effect for the hosts - they've shown how much Sachin Tendulkar's powers are on the way down.

Murali Vijay
Innings': 4
Runs: 336
High Score: 167
Average: 84

MS Dhoni
Innings': 3
Runs: 272
High score: 224
Average: 90.66

Cheteshwar Pujara
Innings': 4
Runs: 257
High score: 204
Average: 85.66

Shikhar Dhawan
Innings: 1
Runs: 187
High score: 187
Average: 187

Virat Kohli
Innings': 3
Runs: 174
High score: 107
Average: 87

Sachin Tendulkar
Innings': 4
Runs: 138
High score: 81
Average: 46

Tendulkar has the lowest average and has scored the least runs of India's full-time batsmen who are playing in this match*, having hit 138 runs at an average of 46 over the three Tests thus far.

Admittedly, this is not a poor performance - far from it - but it doesn't look good when compared to some of his teammates.

Murali Vijay tops the charts with a whopping 336 runs at an average of 84, closely followed by India skipper MS Dhoni who has brought up 272 runs, most of which came in his stunning innings of 224 in the first Test.

Even four of Australia's batsman, who have been under fire from go to woe in this series, have outscored Tendulkar, although admittedly they've had one more innings than him.

Again, the Little Master's stats are still fairly good in isolation, but given he is the only one of the hosts' full-time batsmen who hasn't made a hundred in the series, he may be feeling like he hasn't contributed enough.

The worrying sign for Indian fans is that Tendulkar has been getting out after seemingly looking set for a big total.

In the first Test, he cruised to 81 before being bowled through the gate by Nathan Lyon, and in Mohali he looked in fine touch until he edged a ball from part-time spinner Steve Smith.

He'd rather not remember his dismissal in the second Test, when he gloved an innocuous deliery down the leg side from Peter Siddle.

It would be unfair to compare Tendulkar's predicament to that of Ricky Ponting immediately before he retired - their form and their likelihood of being dropped are vastly different - but if ever evidence was needed that the Little Master's powers were waning, this is it.

*Ravindra Jadeja was not included as a full-time batsman, as he was picked as an all-rounder. Virender Sehwag was not included as he is not playing in the current Test.

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WA on brink of hosting final

On the brink ... Western Australia can host their first Sheffield Shield final in 15 years. Source: Lincoln Baker / News Limited

Western Australia is within touching distance of hosting their first Sheffield Shield in 15 years after another dominant batting performance from Mike Hussey on Saturday at the WACA Ground.

The third day finished with Queensland at 6-179 with a 115-run lead, with the Warriors looking to end the Bulls' second innings quickly to ensure they would not be chasing a tough total to win.

SHEF - WACA Ground

14 March 2013 - Day 3, Session 3

Queensland 2nd Innings

J. Burns	73	171	10	0	42.69
M. Neser	0	9	0	0	0

The last time the Warriors hosted a Shield final at the WACA, Hussey and coach Justin Langer were playing - back in 1998.

If Western Australia win outright, the only other result which will affect them will be if Victoria manage an outright victory over Tasmania - a very tough ask with a high chance of showers on Sunday at Bellerive.

WA will look to concentrate on the job at hand and not be stressed by other results.

"We are in a position where our destiny is in our own hands,'' Hussey said.

"It depends on how well we play tomorrow and, again, I think it's about disregarding all that's going on around the country and we still need another four wickets.''

Hussey continued Friday's form and was the last man dismissed in the first innings for 96, leaving WA all out for a respectable 228 in reply to to Queensland's first knock of 164.

The veteran was happy where the team was at this point of the game.

"We are in a position where our destiny is in our own hands,'' Hussey said.

"I think we have put in two really good days of cricket and hopefully we can finish the job tomorrow.''

It wasn't entirely a good day for the WA batsmen, losing key wickets early with Ryan Harris in fine form with the ball to collect six wickets.

Harris claimed Sam Whiteman as the first wicket of the day sending him back to the shed with 11 after a spectacular catch by Chris Hartley.

The fast bowler also sent WA teenager Ashton Agar walking (16) with help from a diving catch from Hopes and later dashed Hussey's century hopes.

Minutes out from lunch, the stumps were spread by a lightning quick ball from Ryan Duffield, bowling Luke Pomersbach for a duck.

After the lunch break, Greg Moller was caught superbly by Hussey off Hogan.

The Warriors took their fourth wicket, following a 72-run partnership between Nathan Reardon and Joe Burns, when Adam Voges caught Reardon in slips off Duffield.

Burt Cockley then trapped Hartley lbw for 16.

Burns fought hard for 73 not out as light faded quickly and will carry on with Michael Neser on Sunday.

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Records tumble as India belt Aussies

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Record breaker ... Dhawan hit the fastest hundred by a Test debutant. Source:Fox Sports

Australia's bowling attack was destroyed again on Saturday as Shikhar Dhawan blazed his way to 185 not out, the highest score by an Indian batsman on Test debut.

3rd Test - Punjab Cricket Association Stadium

14 March 2013 - Day 3, Session 3

India 1st Innings

M. Vijay	83	181	10	2	45.86
S. Dhawan	185	168	33	2	110.12
N. Lyon	15	3	69	0	4.60

India raced to 0-283 from 58 overs at stumps on day three in reply to Australia's first innings of 408.

The day was made even more painful for Australia's Steve Smith (92) and Mitchell Starc (99), who both fell narrowly short of scoring their maiden Test hundreds.

Dhawan reached his century off 85 balls, which is a record for a debutant in all Test matches.

The Delhi-born 27-year-old smashed 33 fours and two sixes from 168 deliveries while Murali Vijay is unbeaten on 83 from 181 balls.

Dhawan's century included an amazing 21 fours.

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Follow all the day four action from Mohali LIVE with our Match Centre.

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The left-hander looked in command from the outset, after coming into the side as a replacement for dumped veteran Virender Sehwag.

Earlier, Australia relied on a lower-order fightback to produce their highest score of the series of 408 after being 7-251.

No.5 batsman Smith and No.9 Starc shared a crucial 97-run stand for Australia's eighth wicket.

The homework affair which sent shockwaves through world cricket on Monday presented Smith with the chance to play his first Test since January 2011.

The energetic 23-year-old grabbed it with both hands with a brilliant knock on a turning pitch.

Starc, also 23, was on 56 when his New South Wales teammate Smith was stumped playing a defensive prod at 8-348.

Starc and Nathan Lyon (nine not out) added 51 for the ninth wicket.

A nervous Starc was caught behind on 99 off the bowling of paceman Ishant Sharma after hitting 14 fours off 144 balls.

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