Kirsten laments dropped catches

Michael Clarke was let off three times at Delhi en route to his eighth Test century

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Poor catching helped Australia recover on day four of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series, according to India coach Gary Kirsten.

Michael Clarke made an impressive 112, but not before he was dropped three times - first when he was on 21 - by India's fielders.

His century, along with crucial partnerships with Shane Watson and Cameron White, helped Australia narrow the gap to India's mammoth first innings score of 613 for seven declared.

Australia were eventually bowled out for 577, conceding a lead of just 36 runs.

"It was not a great time in the field for us," Kirsten said. "We started the day thinking of really doing something. But we did not take our opportunities.

"Fielding errors helped Australia come back into the match and it did not go the way we had planned."

Clarke was first dropped on 21 by Ishant Sharma, who put to ground a straightforward chance at long-on.

"The first catch that Ishant (Sharma) dropped could have a bearing on the match,” said Kirsten.

"The other two (dropped) catches were of little significance because Australia had crossed the 500-run mark by then.

"I don't think we bowled well enough to create those opportunities for ourselves after lunch.

"But Australia took their chances and capitalised on them as well.

"Ishant's error can have a huge bearing on the match."

Kirsten said the team should have been able to cope without off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who has been forced to sit out this match due to a toe injury.

"Harbhajan would have added value to the team, he is a tremendous bowler," said Kirsten.

Stuart Clark celebrates dismissing nighwatchman Ishant Sharma to leave India two down at the close

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"But I think we have enough variety and options in the spin department."

Australia completed their resurgence by claiming two quick wickets in India's second innings, sending back Virender Sehwag and nightwatchman Ishant.

Australia vice-captain Clarke said India's decision to send out a nightwatchman had underlined their defensive approach.

"We are in a good position," Clarke said. "We've seen India sending out a nightwatchman today, which tells you that they have been pretty defensive in their approach.

"Only one team would go for the win tomorrow and that's Australia.

"India would not set any target tomorrow, they showed it by deciding to send a nightwatchman.

"We'll try to get a couple of early wickets tomorrow. We'll be attacking tomorrow and we hope to bowl them out quickly."

Clarke was satisfied with his performance on a difficult track.

"The pitch was turning and I reckon it will turn even more tomorrow,” he said.

"It was not easy getting the first 10 runs, but it was a lot better once you got in.

"It was incredibly rewarding to have scored a century against India.

"I guess I have been very lucky today, especially in my 90s; I could have been out twice in the 90s."

"The idea was to play as long an innings as possible.

"We fought well. And with a little bit of luck, I think it was very rewarding for me."