Aussies target cracks as Dharamsala opens up

Australia's bowlers have the Dharamsala cracks in their sights after the tourists were bowled out for 300 on day one of the series-deciding fourth Test.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Australia were in a commanding position at 1-144 with one eye on a score in excess of 500 before 22-year-old Test debutant Kuldeep Yadav inspired a dramatic fightback to dismiss Steve Smith's charges in the penultimate over on Saturday.

Day one report: Smith ton helps Aussies to 300

Now Australia's bowlers will have to support their batters after Matthew Wade, who scored a series-high 57, conceded Australia left some runs out in the middle.

"At 1-140 after lunch, you'd hope to push on," Wade said after play.

"But it was credit to the Indians, they bowled really well through the middle session and we had to find a way to grind out 300.

"I thought to get there in the end was a good effort."

Quick Single: Smith scales new heights with latest ton

The HPCA Stadium surface offered plenty of assistance for both batters and bowlers, a parity previously unseen in the series.

The quick men moved the new ball through the air and enjoyed rare extra bounce, while the spinners found early turn, none more so than left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep.

For the batters, consistent bounce and pace in the wicket provided value for shots, with few, if any, deliveries misbehaving.

However, like the pitch in Bengaluru, the cracks will likely cause trouble later in the Test and Wade's teammates are counting on it.

"The cracks are playing a huge role, with the spinners as well as the quicks," the gloveman said.

"So we will be looking to get a bit out of the cracks in the wicket tomorrow.

"Hopefully we can create 10 opportunities."

Quick Single: Debutant Kuldeep sinks Australia's top order

Australia had only one over at India before stumps – a maiden bowled by spearhead Josh Hazlewood who found significant pace and carry – and Wade liked what he saw from the towering fast bowler.

"That was quite enjoyable to have the ball coming in around shoulder height from behind the stumps," he said.

"That was something you get a little bit excited about.

"Hopefully that can continue with the new ball tomorrow and Patty (Cummins) and Josh can pick up a couple of early wickets.

"But it's definitely the best carry we've seen throughout the whole series for sure."

Test Squads

India (for fourth Test): Virat Kohli (c), Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandaran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Karun Nair, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhinav Mukund, Mohammed Shami.

Australia: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Ashton Agar, Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Stephen O'Keefe, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade

Australia's schedule in India

Feb 23-27, First Test, Pune – Australia won by 333 runs.

Mar 4-8, Second Test, Bengaluru – India won by 75 runs.

Mar 16-20, Third Test, Ranchi – match drawn.

Mar 25-29, Fourth Test, Dharamsala