Hayden grinds out runs

Matthew Hayden is struck on the helmet as Zaheer Khan ratchets up the pace

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Australia opener Matthew Hayden admitted he went back to basics en route to a critical knock of 83 on the third day of the third Test against India.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting had ridiculed India at the start of the series by suggesting the hosts played old-style cricket, claiming his tourists would offer "new-age cricket" and score at four runs an over.

But needing to help avoid the follow-on after India posted a huge score of 613 for seven declared, Hayden played the old-fashioned way and was rewarded with a solid total.

Hayden put on 123 runs for the opening wicket with Simon Katich, and Australia ended the day on 338 for four, 275 runs behind India's first innings score.

He was also struck on the helemt as he received a going-over by Indian left-armer Zaheer Khan.

"With 600 on the board, it required a more traditional type of innings," Hayden said. "Today I really set myself to bat a long time and took advantage of the loose ball.

"I felt relaxed from ball one, and through last night as well."

Hayden had accumulated a meagre 42 runs from the first two matches, twice being dismissed for ducks.

His return to form is certain to boost Australia, who are already 1-0 down in the series and still facing a formidable task over the next two days in the third Test.

Hayden, however, believes Australia could still clinch a draw and save the game: "It was frustrating for the top three batsmen to fall after getting half-centuries, but it was still a very good day for Australia.

"We're very confident, we've got a good batting line-up to come."

Hayden praised the Indian bowlers, saying they had done a fine job in the circumstances.

Virender Sehwag exacted enough turn to beat Mike Hussey's edge and bowl him for a hard-fought 53

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"Anil (Kumble) and Amit (Mishra) bowled admirably well today," he said. "Interestingly, Sehwag also got some spin from the new ball. He bowled really well. He had spin, speed and variation

"He (Sehwag) is not a big turner of the ball like Harbhajan Singh, but he knows the conditions really well.

"There are some challenging conditions to face, especially with spin, but it is one we are going to enjoy."

Off-spinner Sehwag was pressed into service after Kumble injured his finger while attempting a catch and was forced to leave the field.

Sehwag picked up three of the four wickets to fall including Hayden, whom he trapped leg before.

"Australia will find it difficult but the match is not in anyone's favour just yet," Sehwag said.

“We will have to see how it goes tomorrow morning. But I think it will not be easy to save a match on this wicket.

"The ball is now spinning from the rough on the edge of the wicket, but once the pitch cracks, it will make batting difficult. Anil will return tomorrow and he will bowl a lot better than I did today.

"Anil was injured so someone had to bowl," he said. "I got this opportunity to bowl 20 overs after a long time. I just wanted to contain the runs and that's what I did and in the process also got the wickets.

"Now I have a chance to claim my first five-wicket haul."