Test Cricket:Australia's bid to break their world record for consecutive Test wins was on shaky ground last night after their batting collapsed on a dramatic second day of the third Test against India in Perth.

India bowled the Australians out for 212 in 50 overs, then added 52 runs for the loss of one wicket, reaching stumps with an overall lead of 170 at the Waca.

Australia, who won the first two matches in the series to equal their world record of 16 consecutive Test wins, polished off the Indian first innings for 330 before lunch, taking the last four wickets for two runs.

However, their own batting crumbled on a day where the temperature climbed past 41 degrees. They lost their first three wickets before the total had passed 14, then their last five for 47 runs.