India will resume with an imposing 346-run lead on day four of the third test.

This despite their stunning collapse at the MCG when Australia paceman Pat Cummins snagged 4/0 in eight consecutive deliveries.

Stuff.co reports, the tourists reached 54/5 at stumps on day three in Melbourne, having opted against enforcing the follow-on when they rolled Australia for 151.

The much-criticized MCG pitch erupted to life on what is traditionally moving the day of any Test, with 15 wickets falling as Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah both made a mockery of batsmen.

India remained well placed to snatch a 2-1 series lead that will put them in the box seat for a maiden test series win in Australia.