Axar, Shami extend India's lead to 223

Nagpur: Axar Patel hit a resolute 84 while Mohammed Shami smashed an entertaining 37 as India took a massive 223-run first innings lead by posting 400 against Australia on the third day of the opening Test, here Saturday.

Axar put his head down and let Shami attack in the 52-run ninth-wicket stand, helping India outbat



Australia on a track which the visiting media alleged was "doctored".

India had resumed the day at 321 for seven with Ravindra Jadeja (70) and Patel at the crease. Jadeja did not last long as he shouldered arms to a Murphy delivery that was fired in from an angle and crashed on to the stumps.