Steven Smith’s rich vein of form continued as Australia motored to a lead of 348 to set the platform for a victory push on the final day of the fourth Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The stand-in skipper became the highest run-scorer in an Australia-India Test series, surpassing Sir Donald Bradman’s 1947/48 record, by top-scoring with 71 as the hosts raced to 251 for six from just 40 overs.
Chris Rogers compiled a sixth consecutive format fifty, an Australian record, while Joe Burns made a second half-century of the match, from just 33 deliveries, as India’s bowlers again toiled.
With wet weather expected and the pitch offering assistance to the spinners, Smith’s next act will be to decide on when to declare to ensure Australia’s bowlers have enough time to complete a 3-0 triumph in the rubber.
Earlier, India’s lower order finally offered some resistance by taking their overnight total from 342 for five to 475 all out, a first-innings deficit of 97.
After Virat Kohli and Wriddhiman Saha departed for 147 and 35 respectively, Ravichandran Ashwin took responsibility.
The right-hander, alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar, frustrated Australia with an eighth-wicket stand of 65 until the latter was controversially given out caught at slip for 30 despite replays showing it was likely a bump ball.
Ashwin edged Mitchell Starc behind for 50 and Ryan Harris wrapped up the innings when Umesh Yadav provided a fourth catch for Brad Haddin.
Spinner Ashwin then took charge with the ball, picking up the cheap wickets of dangermen David Warner and Shane Watson as Australia put their foot on the accelerator.
An attacking stand of 80 in 15 overs between Rogers and Smith ended when the former, on 56, pulled Bhuvneshwar to deep square-leg.
Shaun Marsh became Ashwin’s third victim, caught by Murali Vijay at slip, before Smith, who hit eight fours and one maximum in his 70-ball knock, was trapped lbw by Shami.
Burns, in his second Test, took Australia from 165 for five to 251 for six in the space of 10 overs with a brutal 66 off just 39 deliveries.
The right-hander struck eight fours and a trio of sixes and was kept company by Brad Haddin, who contributed an unbeaten 31 to the 86-run partnership.
Burns’ cameo, which was ended by Ashwin, meant India would have to complete the highest successful pursuit in a Test at Sydney.