Symonds century puts Australia on top

Andrew Symonds scored an unbeaten 137 to rescue Australia from a shaky start as the hosts reached 376 for seven at stumps on the first day of the second test against India on Wednesday.

Brad Hogg (79) and Ricky Ponting (55) also posted half-centuries as the Australians, chasing a record-equalling 16th straight victory, fought back after an early collapse at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

India appeared to have the Australians in trouble when Rudra Pratap Singh (4-108) and Harbhajan Singh (2-88) ripped through the top-order in the first half of the day but Symonds and Hogg put the home team back in control with a brilliant display of big-hitting.

The pair came together after lunch with Australia reeling at 134-6 but added 173 runs in a record seventh-wicket partnership at the venue. Australia lead the four-match series 1-0 after easing to a 337-run victory in last week's first test in Melbourne.

SYDNEY, Wednesday (Reuters)