Gambhir holds firm

Gautam Gambhir's hundred steadied India's nerves on the first afternoon in Delhi

Opener Gautam Gambhir completed an impressive century as India gained the upper hand on the first day of the third Test in Delhi.

India began badly, losing Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid in quick succession, but Gambhir steadied dressing room nerves as the hosts recovered admirably to finish the day in a strong position.

At stumps, India had reached 296 for three, with Gambhir unbeaten on 149 and VVS Laxman on 54, the two having added 139 runs in an unbroken stand for the fourth wicket.

Gambhir had also pieced together a profitable 130-run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar, with the world's most prolific run-scorer adding 68 before he fell on the stroke of the tea interval.

Australia paceman Brett Lee, who had a meagre four wickets in the first two matches, trapped Sehwag in front, catching the explosive opener on the crease with one that veered in slightly.

Mitchell Johnson, who replaced Lee after the paceman had completed his first spell, struck another blow by dismissing Rahul Dravid for 11 in his first over.

India were precariously placed at 27 for two when Tendulkar joined Gambhir at the crease.

Mitchell Johnson appeals for the prized wicket of Sachin Tendulkar caught behind

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Gambhir got off the mark with a square-driven boundary off Lee, but withdrew into a shell as wickets fell at the other end.

Tendulkar immediately relieved some of the pressure as he confidently negotiated the Australian bowlers.

Gambhir got to his half-century immediately after leg-spinner Cameron White was introduced into the attack for the first time after lunch.

White, Australia's only specialist spinner, conceded 27 runs in four overs as he was hit out of the attack.

Tendulkar reached his half-century, the second in the series and 51st in his career, but fell shortly afterwards when he edged Johnson to Haddin, presenting the left-arm paceman with his second wicket.

Left-hander Gambhir brought up his century with a six off Shane Watson, stepping down the track to thump the medium-pacer over mid-off.

Gambhir had consumed 190 deliveries for his 100, but remarkably the second 50 of his innings came off just 69 deliveries.

Laxman, who had joined Gambhir at the fall of Tendulkar's wicket, had in understated fashion brought up his own half-century.

The run flow - Laxman and Gambhir were scoring at just under six an over at that stage - ebbed significantly thereafter, but the wickets stayed intact.