“They dominated. They used the wind really well, and they were very clever in how they went about (bowling) in partnerships,” said Gilchrist in the end of the day press conference.

“There is a long way to go in the game... we will claw our way into the game,” he said.

Gilchrist said the hosts have set their priority on wrapping up the Indian innings as soon as possible.

“Presently India has done a better job. They applied themselves better in batting and maintained the pressure with the ball. (Now) Getting the nine wickets is our priority.” The Australian vice-captain admitted the hosts had thrown away the initiative by falling prey to the Indian bowlers.

“We didn’t play well... and handed it back to them. We nicked everything. They bowled enough balls in the right area and didn’t play the right shots,” he said.

Gilchrist praised RP Singh, who picked 4-68 on the second day, for his performance.