Inconsistent bounce can make it tricky for India

India might be in for a very difficult chase on a track which is offering inconsistent bounce with deliveries bowled from back of length coming at stump height, Australia's top scorer Marnus Labuschagne said on Sunday.

- Agencies

MELBOURNE:

Australia were 228 for 9 in their second innings with a lead of 333 at the end of the fourth day.

While the lower-order comprising Pat Cummins (41), Nathan Lyon (41 batting) and Scott Boland (10 batting) helped in increasing the lead, it was Labuschagne's 70, which is by far the top score in the home team ranks.

Asked how the pitch would behave on Day 5, Labuschagne said, "I think from the first innings, there was some movement, obviously. It was hard work in that first 50 overs. But as the game's gone on, the bounce has got less and more inconsistent. So we're just getting more balls hitting the stumps. More balls are skidding through." He feels the degree of lateral movement is still the same but the difference in height could become a factor.