Katich completes century in final India Test

Simon Katich sustained Australia's hopes of levelling the series with an impressive century in the fourth and final Test against India here on Saturday.

The left-hander made 102 for his fifth hundred in 30 Tests as the tourists reached 231-3 in their first innings at lunch on the third day in reply to India's 441.

The 33-year-old Katich received valuable support from Michael Hussey, who was unbeaten on 64 at the break. The pair put on 155 for the third wicket.

India lead 1-0 following their 320-run victory in the second Test in Mohali. The matches in Bangalore and New Delhi were drawn.

Katich, 92 overnight, reached his century in the opening hour when he steered fast bowler Ishant Sharma to third-man for his ninth four.

He was lucky to survive on 94 when he edged Sharma, but former captain Rahul Dravid dropped a regulation slip catch.

Paceman Zaheer Khan was the lone wicket-taker, trapping Katich leg-before with a swinging yorker in his second spell. The Australian hit nine fours in his 189-ball knock.

India succeeded in drying up runs with their defensive tactics in the morning session, with Zaheer and Sharma hardly making the batsmen play by bowling outside the off-stump.

With Katich and Hussey taking no risks, Australia could add just 42 runs in 24 overs to their overnight total of 189-2.

Hussey, 45 overnight, reached his 12th half-century, and third of the series, with an edged boundary off Zaheer.

Australia have not lost a Test series since the 2005 Ashes in England.