India's Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets as Australia slumped from 106-2 to 153-7 at tea on day one of the fourth Test match in Delhi.
After reaching lunch on 94-2, Australia appeared in the ascendancy, and they quickly brought up three figures when play resumed.
However, MS Dhoni turned to spin bowlers Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, and they soon began to dismantle the tourists' middle order.
Once Ashwin dismissed Ed Cowan for 38, wickets fell at regular intervals, with captain Shane Watson being stumped for 17 to leave the score on 115-4.
Mitchell Wade made just two before Ashwin sealed his second wicket, while Glenn Maxwell struck a six before falling to Jadeja.
Mitchell Johnson lasted 22 balls to score three runs, but the score fell to 136-7 after he was bowled by Ashwin.
Steven Smith lasted over 100 balls to score 25 to remain at the crease at tea, while Peter Siddle has made five.