Hayden ton helps Australia inch closer to India

By Julian Linden

ADELAIDE (Reuters) - Australian opener Matthew Hayden joined an elite club of just six players to score 30 or more test centuries with a blistering hundred against India on Saturday.

The 36-year-old blasted a superb 103 while Phil Jaques and Ricky Ponting both helped themselves to half-centuries to lead a determined Australian fightback in the fourth and final test at Adelaide Oval.

When play ended on the third day, Australia were cruising along at 322 for three in their first innings, with Ponting unbeaten on 79 and Michael Clarke not out 37.

India still led by 204 runs after amassing 526 over the first two days but their advantage was rapidly shrinking on a lifeless pitch heavily favouring the batsmen and offering little encouragement to the bowlers.

India need to win the match to level the series, but with just 13 wickets falling over the first three days, the odds are already stacked in favour of a draw.

Australia, who lead the series 2-1, were clearly in no hurry to chase quick runs on Saturday, adding just 260 for the loss of three wickets after resuming on 62-0.

The only batsmen not to make a significant score was Mike Hussey, although he still managed 22.

India's chances of knocking the Australians over quickly were hampered by the absence of their main strike bowler Rudra Pratap Singh, who injured a hamstring on Friday afternoon and did not even make it on to the field on Saturday.