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Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke hit double centuries for Australia in the fourth Test against India in Adelaide as they reached 604-7 before declaring.

Their bowlers then took two quick wickets to leave the tourists 61-2.

Following his unbeaten 329 in the second Test, Clarke's 210 made him the first Test captain to score a double and triple century in the same series.

He and Ponting put on 386 - Australia's fourth highest-ever partnership - with Clarke finally bowled by Umesh Yadav.

The home side started the day on 335-3 and continued to punish India, who are trailing 3-0 in the series.

Australia batted through an entire session without losing a wicket for the sixth time in the series.

Captain Clarke failed to add to his tally after lunch and was bowled by Yadav, before Ponting was caught by Tendulkar on 221, as he attempted a pull shot which was caught at deep mid-wicket.

Hussey was run out for 25 after good work from Gautam Gambhir at silly point, then Peter Siddle was caught by wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha for his first catch in Test cricket.

Brad Haddin (42) and Ryan Harris (35) continued to add to the tally and they remained not out when Clarke declared.

After 10 and a half hours in the field, India were desperate for a solid start.

Virender Sehwag, captaining India in place of the suspended Mahendra Dhoni, fell cheaply, caught and bowled by Peter Siddle's first ball for 18.

Rahul Dravid was then was bowled for the sixth time in the series, this time by Ben Hilfenhaus, to leave India 31-2.

Gambhir and Tendulkar added 30 more runs but India face a long three days as they chase down 604.