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Australia hold nerve to claim victory in second Test by four wickets

Australia hold their nerve in a tense run chase to secure victory by four wickets in the second Test against India to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Australia have defeated India in the second Test to take a 2-0 lead in their series as Steve Smith tasted victory in his first match as temporary captain of the team in the absence of Michael Clarke.

The Baggy Greens needed a further 103 runs in the final session on day four at Brisbane to secure the win, following an early morning collapse by MS Dhoni's side.

Mitch Marsh of Australia and Mitchell Johnson of Australia embrace as Marsh hits the winning runs to win the test during day four of the 2nd Test match between Australia and India at The Gabba on December 20, 2014© Getty Images

Chris Rogers and Smith steadied the ship as they guided Australia past the 50-run mark, although the tourists did waste a golden chance to dismiss the Aussie captain when Virat Kohli dropped the batsman on five.

Rogers soon brought up his half-century off 51 balls to bring his side within sight of their target, but he was then dismissed by Ishant Sharma as he cut the ball straight to Shikhar Dhawan at gully for 55.

Smith and Shaun Marsh edged the Baggy Greens closer to their victory target, but Marsh fell for 17 when he edged behind down the legside to Dhoni off the bowling of Umesh Yadav.

The captain soon followed him back to the pavilion for 28 when he was run out with his side still six runs short of victory. Brad Haddin continued the collapse as he pulled straight to Kohli for one to set the home team's nerves ajangle at 122-6.

However, Mitchell Marsh held his nerve to strike the winning runs to fire his side to a four-wicket victory at The Gabba.

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Simon Sinclair
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Australia cricketer Mitchell Johnson celebrates with team-mates after taking a wicket of South Africa's Alviro Petersen, during the 4th day of the first test match on February 15, 2014
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