India face daunting task in SCG Test post Oz's mammoth 1st innings total of 572/7 declared

India got of to a poor start against Australia as they went in to bat after the hosts posted 572/7 declared in their first innings, and the tourists trail Steven Smith's side by 501 runs with nine wickets remaining at stumps on day two of the fourth and final Test.

There wasn't any further relief for India as they were thrashed brutally by Australian batsmen on day one and it was much the same display on day two at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

New Test skipper Virat Kohli's men struggled to get a grip as Australia captain Smith hit another ton in the series, adding 117 runs to the hosts' scoreline before being caught behind the wicket by Wriddhiman Saha off Umesh Yadav's delivery.

All-rounder Shan Watson hit 81 runs before he was caught by Ravichandran Ashwin off Mohammad Shami's delivery, while Shaun Marsh hit 73 before being caught behind the wicket off Shami's delivery again.

Shami claimed four wickets, including Joe Burns, who scored 58 runs before being Lokesh Rahul caught him, and Ryan Harris, on his individual score of 25.

Wicketkeeper batsman Brad Haddin remained unbeaten on nine as Australia declared their innings for 572/7.

India lost an early wicket as opener Murali Vijay fell for a duck off express paceman Mitchell Starc's delivery. Vijay was caught behind the wicket by keeper Haddin.

Rahul and Rohit Sharma provided some stability with their unbeaten knock of 31 and 40 runs respectively and would resume batting on day three at the SCG.

India posted just 71 runs in the 25 overs they faced on day two of the SCG Test for the loss of a wicket.