Australia took a lead of 326 runs over India in the second innings of the third Test after the hosts went in to bat on the fourth day of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday.
At the draw of stumps Australia, who bowled out the tourists for their first inning total of 465 runs on the fourth day, were on 261 runs for the loss of seven wickets.
After India reduced Australia's first innings lead to 65 runs on the fourth day of the third day before they were bowled out, the hosts added 3 runs to their lead over the tourists.
India added just three runs on the fourth day of the match, which was affected by rain.
Australia's batting line up fell rapidly without any consistency except for Chris Rogers' knock of 69 runs and Shaun Marsh's unbeaten 62.
Skipper Steve Smith, who had hit a splendid 192 in the first innings to guide Australia to 530, failed to shine in the second innings as he was dismissed for his individual score of 14 runs. He was caught by Ajinkya Rahane off fast bowler Umesh Yadav's delivery.
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Yadav also claimed wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin's wicket for his individual 13 as he was caught behind the wicket by Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Ravichandran Ashwin claimed the wickets of both the openers, trapping David Warner lbw for his individual score of 40, while Rogers was bowled by the off-break bowler for his 69 runs.
All-rounder Shane Watson failed to shine too as he was caught behind the wicket on Ishant Sharma's delivery for his individual score of 17 runs.
Joe Burns also fell prey to Sharma's express delivery as he too was caught behind by Dhoni for his individual score of nine runs.
Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson managed to add 15 runs to the scoreline before he was caught by Rahane off Mohammad Shami's delivery.
Marsh will resume batting with Ryan Harris on the fifth and final day of the third Test.
If the match ends in a draw, Australia would win the four-match series.