Perth, Dec 17 (IANS): India were 15/2 at tea on the fourth day, needing 272 runs to win the second Test against Australia here on Monday.

Chasing 287, India lost two quick wickets in the form of Lokesh Rahul (0) and Cheteshwar Pujara (6). Skipper Virat Kohli and Murli Vijay were batting when tea was taken.

Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 243. The hosts were going strong till lunch, but wickets started tumbling at regular intervals in the post-lunch session and thus the hosts could only manage to take a 286-run lead.

Usman Khawaja (72) was the top scorer for Australia, while Skipper Tim Paine chipped in with 37.

Towards the end, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood forged a 36-run partnership in 38 balls for the last wicket to help their team post a challenging total.

For India, Mohammad Shami was the most successful bowler, scalping six wickets while Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets.

Earlier, Australia were 190/4 in their second innings, taking a healthy lead of 233 runs at lunch.

Resuming the day at 132/4, Paine and Khawaja started the proceeding on a positive note. The duo played cautiously in the first hour and then started playing their shots.

Indian bowlers struggled in the first session, as a result of which both the overnight batsmen continued batting till the lunch.

Brief score: Australia 326 & 243 vs India 283 & 15/2 at Tea on Day 4 (Murli Vijay 6; Josh Hazlewood 1/5)