By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE (Reuters) -A Marnus Labuschagne half-century and stubborn tail-end batting drove Australia to a 333-run lead at the end of day four in the fourth test in Melbourne on Sunday, leaving India facing a record chase to steal victory.

Australia run-maker Travis Head is questionable for the fourth cricket test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and teenager Sam Konstas is set to make his first test start for the home side.

India has a new batting hero after 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy showed the poise of a veteran to score his maiden century, leading his team’s comeback against Australia on day three of the fourth test.

Australia's fiery pace attack destroyed India's top order on Friday to put them in the driving seat of the fourth Test after they set a daunting first innings target on the back of Steve Smith's 34th Test century.

Nitish Kumar Reddy picked the perfect time to score his maiden century as India fought their way back into the fourth Test against Australia on Saturday. All-rounder Reddy was applauded off the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch at the end of Day 3 following his brilliant unbeaten 105 after rain ended play midway through the final session.

A mini-collapse sparked by a run-out helped Australia stay on top as India reached 164-5 at stumps Friday on the second day of the fourth test of the five-match series. Australia resumed Friday morning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 311-6 and scored 474,

Steve Smith continues his revival in form with a magnificent century to put Australia on top against India on day two of the fourth Test in Melbourne.