Adelaide, Jan 27 (IANS): India were Friday on the verge of suffering their second 0-4 whitewash in Test cricket in seven months with Australia four wickets away from a convincing win after the fourth day's play in the fourth and final cricket Test at the Adelaide Oval here.
Set a target of 500, India suffered a late collapse and were struggling at 166 for six in the second innings with Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma (2) at the crease.
Spinner Nathan Lyon, playing in his first Test at his home ground, picked up three top Indian wickets for 57, claiming opener Virender Sehwag (62), V.V.S. Laxman (35) and Sachin Tendulkar (13).
While Australia were almost certain to win the Test, the only thing that may cause concern to them is the forecast of showers for Saturday.
Resuming the day at 50 for three, Australia declared their second innings three overs after lunch at 167 for five, with a huge lead of 499 runs. Australia had declared their first innings at 604 for seven while India were bowled out for 272 in their first outing.
India again made a poor start with Gautam Gambhir caught behind off Ryan Harris for three. Stand-in captain Virender Sehwag then provided some fireworks with his 53-ball 62 that was studded with 12 fours. Sehwag departed after he went for a huge swipe at a full toss from Lyon and top-edged a catch to Ricky Ponting at cover.
The 39-year-old Rahul Dravid (25) was caught at gully by Mike Hussey off Harris, ending a poor series where he averaged 24.25.
Tendulkar, leading run-scorer in Test cricket, was caught at short leg off Lyon's bowling for 13 and India were reduced to 110/4. The 38-year-old, who has been stranded on his 99th international ton, was given a standing ovation in what probably was his last Test appearance in Australia.
Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena added to the drama as he asking Tendulkar to wait for a video review of a possible no-ball before giving him out.
Laxman became Lyon's third victim clipping straight to Shaun Marsh at short mid-wicket. In the next over, a stunning direct hit from Ben Hilfenhaus from mid-wicket found first innings centurion Virat Kohli (22) short of crease. The duo had exchanged angry words during Kohli's maiden Test hundred in the first innings (116).
Earlier in the day, Australia captain Michael Clarke called back his team shortly after lunch with a lead of 499. Ricky Ponting was unbeaten on 60 and Brad Haddin at 11.
Clarke contributed 37 and Hussey made 15. Clarke and Ponting have averaged more than 100 for the series.