Symonds century rescues Australia

Andrew Symonds smashed a brilliant century as Australia overcame an early India onslaught to finish day one of the second Test in a commanding position.

The burly all-rounder hit an unbeaten 137 to guide the home side to 376 for seven at stumps after the tourists had gained the upper hand earlier in the day, with RP Singh sweeping through the hosts' top order to leave them reeling on 134 for six.

The comeback restored Australia's hopes of registering a record-equalling 16th consecutive Test victory.

Symonds received valuable support from Brad Hogg (79) - the pair putting on 173 for the seventh wicket to stabilise the innings on a Sydney Cricket Ground pitch which was uncharacteristically responsive.

India were outgunned in Melbourne in the Boxing Day Test and arrived in Sydney needing a positive start. They got it thanks to Singh, who induced an outside edge from Phil Jacques in the third over, the ball flying through to wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Matthew Hayden (13) followed soon afterwards, edging a Singh delivery to Sachin Tendulkar at first slip.

Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey restored a degree of normality with a third-wicket stand of 92, which was only broken when Ponting was given out leg before wicket for 55 to a Harbhajan Singh delivery which television replays showed hit the bat on its way on to the Australia skipper's pads.

Singh also snared Hussey for 41, while Harbhajan celebrated his good fortune by trapping Michael Clarke (one) in front of the stumps. Adam Gilchrist (seven) then fell to the impressive Singh, with Tendulkar taking his third catch of the innings.

It was left to Symonds and Hogg to rescue the world champions. All-rounder Symonds celebrated his century - his second in Test cricket - before Hogg edged Anil Kumble to Rahul Dravid at first slip.

Symonds then built up a strong alliance with Brett Lee, who finished the day on 31 not out, as India limped towards the close.