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India's makeshift attack has delivered for the tourists in the final Test at the Gabba, dismissing Australia for 369 in the first innings.
A trio of net bowlers have continued India's never-say-die spirit against Australia, claiming nine wickets as the hosts were bowled out for 369 at the Gabba.
Thrust into the cauldron of the final Test after an unbelievable run of injuries for the tourists, Shardul Thakur (3-94), Thangarasu Natarajan (3-78) and Washington Sundar (3-89) all delivered for their country.
Thakur struck first on day two, removing Australia captain Tim Paine for 50 to end a 98-run sixth-wicket partnership with Cameron Green that had threatened to take the match away from the visitors.
Sundar, who claimed his first Test scalp on Friday with the prized wicket of Steve Smith, then bowled Green for 47 before Thakur trapped Pat Cummins (2) lbw as Australia lost three wickets for four runs in 14 deliveries.
When Sundar and Natarajan claimed the final two wickets after some lower-order resistance by the Australian tail, the three Indian bowlers - who had delivered just 10 balls between them in Test cricket before this match - had each finished with three wickets.
Mohammed Siraj, the veteran of the attack with a whopping three Tests to his name, finished with 1-77 off his 28 overs.
"Every time you seem to think they've been put in a corner, they've come out fighting," former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said on Channel Seven about the depleted India lineup.
"That's been so heartening to see.
"Sometimes teams can get cut down when they come to Australia or touring overseas."
Australia assistant coach Andrew McDonald agreed the inexperienced India attack had been impressive but warned a Test is not just about performing in one innings.
"It's two innings in the game, so they'll be under pressure to be able to back that up," McDonald said.
"And that's what Test cricket is all about, it's not just the first innings to judge anyone.
"It's across the entire game and they'll have a big job ahead of them in the second innings, as will our batting group."
