Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir celebrates his century. - AP

NEW DELHI (AP):

Gautam Gambhir scored his second hundred in consecutive matches with an unbeaten 149 yesterday to ensure India dominated day one of the third cricket Test against Australia.

Left-hander Gambhir, who scored 67 and 104 in an emphatic 320-run victory in Mohali last week, continued India's domination by steering the hosts to a commanding 296 for three at stumps.

The polished opener received strong support through half-centuries from Sachin Tendulkar and V.V.S Laxman, and even managed to upset some of the Australians during a series of verbal exchanges.

India can clinch the four-match contest with a win here and Gambhir provided the ideal platform after he and Tendulkar lifted the side from 27-2 with a 130-run partnership for the third wicket.

Once Tendulkar departed for 68 Gambhir added another 139 with Laxman, who eased to 54, and India finished the day on a high.

Gambhir's century came up in sensational style when he charged down the wicket to Shane Watson and thumped him over mid-on for six.

"That was the only option I had," Gambhir said. "The fielders were very close, so I had to go over the top. It was an instinctive shot."

Animated exchanges

The pair had a few animated exchanges - including when Gambhir pushed his elbow into Watson's chest while going for a second run in the middle session - but the batsman came out on top.

Gambhir also had a verbal clash with Simon Katich late in the day when the pair was separated by umpire Billy Bowden.

Gambhir took his time initially, reaching his 50 from 121 deliveries, but he lifted his pace on the way to three figures and his career-best innings lasted 285 balls. He struck some superb shots through midwicket and cover and also impressed with his cutting and glancing, which contributed to his 20 fours.

"It's really important to bat well tomorrow and get as many runs as possible to give the four bowlers enough runs so they can attack all the time," Gambhir said. "If we can get big runs we can put Australia under pressure."

Tendulkar, who holds the Test run-scoring record with 12,105, was out in the over before tea after scoring his 51st half-century.

Early momentum sapped

The third-wicket partnership with Gambhir saved the hosts from a dangerous position and sapped Australia's early momentum on a flat surface at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

Gambhir, playing on his home ground, expected the pitch to become more uneven as the match continued.

"It will be really difficult on the third, fourth and fifth days," Gambhir said. "The Kotla pitch is always inconsistent when it starts breaking up. With two quality spinners and two quality fast bowlers, it's going to be really hard for Australia."

Tendulkar, who struck 11 boundaries, overtook Gambhir and was first to his 50, the milestone coming from 79 balls with a glide for four through gully off Stuart Clark.

Mitchell Johnson was the successful bowler in the middle session when he had Tendulkar caught behind by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

Australia's attack looked increasingly fragile as the bowlers struggled for regular impact after a strong start.

"Our bowlers tried really hard on a very flat wicket," Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke said. "Sachin played really well, Gambhir played well and then V.V.S did at the end. Being a batsman, I can't wait to get out there and get my opportunity tomorrow."

Lee dismissed Virender Sehwag for one with a ball angling into his pads in the third over, a welcome dismissal for the Australian pace spearhead who struggled for impact in the opening two matches.