Cheteshwar Pujara scored his second ton of the series while skipper Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struck half-centuries to lead India into a pole position, declaring at 7-443 on the second day of the 3rd Test at the MCG.

India No.3 & 4 were instrumental in setting up a strong base with a 170-run stand for the third wicket.

The Australian bowlers wait for a wicket stretched for a second consecutive session in a row despite a few close calls and disciplined bowling. Kohli, in particular, was targetted with a fullish length but the edged was either missed or shelled by the slip cordon.

The runs, however, continued to come at a snail pace as India scored just 62 runs in the opening session. Virat Kohli tried to up the ante before holing out at deep third man while going for an uppercut.

Pujara, on the other hand, remained steadfast in his methods, successfully countering Nathan Lyon's legside trap. Pujara brought up his second hundred of the series with a stylish on-drive off Lyon. His vigil ended soon as the signs of pitching wearing down caught everyone's eye when Pat Cummins got one to shoot through low and hit off stump.

With two quick wickets, Australia sensed an opening but a cautious 62-run stand between Rohit Sharma [63] and Ajinkya Rahane [34] ensured the tourists slowly piled on the agony. Lackluster fielding didn't help Australia's cause either. Nathan Lyon saw three catches go down- two in the successive deliveries to further accentuate what has been a long grind in sapping conditions.

He did get Rahane through a shooter that kept low before an enterprising 76-run stand between Pant and Rohit took the total past 400.

With a little over eight overs to go, India declared to have a crack at the Aussie openers. Finch and Harris survived that nervy, short burst by Bumrah and Ishant, but have hard work ahead of them on a track that is increasingly showing signs of being up and down.