Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh boasted his side was almost invincible after they crushed India by 180 runs in the second Test in Melbourne yesterday. The Indians, set a stiff fourth innings target of 375, folded up for 195 soon after tea on the fifth day to give the hosts a decisive 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The final Test starts at the Sydney cricket ground on Sunday.

In a double blow for the tourists, opener Sadagopan Ramesh retired hurt with a cracked left thumb and has been ruled out of the final Test.

Ramesh, who made 26, was hit by a vicious lifter from pace sensation Brett Lee on Wednesday evening.

Australia's victory was set up by spin king Shane Warne, who won a personal battle of wits against India's captain and main batting hope Sachin Tendulkar.

Tendulkar, who defied the Australian bowlers for three hours to make 52, was fooled by a flipper from Warne. The Indian captain, expecting the ball to turn, padded up to the one that went straight through and was promptly adjudged leg-before by English umpire David Shepherd.

Tendulkar's exit 25 minutes after lunch ended India's chances of saving the match. Except for Tendulkar, whose 116 in the first innings saved his team from a follow-on, none of the other batsmen looked comfortable at the crease. Australia's Brett Lee took seven wickets on his Test debut.