Australia declare first innings at 572/7

Sydney, Jan 7 (IANS) Australia declared their first innings at 572 for seven on the second day of the fourth and final Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground here Wednesday. Hosts skipper Steven Smith declared after Ryan Harris (25) lost his wicket in the third delivery of the 153rd over as Mohammed Shami took his fifth wicket. Earlier, Australian batsmen picked up the pace from the slow morning session to help their side reach a strong total of 538 for five at tea on the second day of the fourth and final Test against India here Wednesday. Unlike the addition of a mere 72 runs from 30 overs in the morning session, the home side piled on 118 more in 29 overs after they resumed at 348/2 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. While left-handed batsman Shaun Marsh scored a fluent 73, which included nine fours and one six, he was ably supported by debutant Joe Burns (52 not out). Marsh got out just before tea when wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha took a good catch. In came Brad Haddin and hammered a big six on the first ball he faced.