Steve Waugh lived up to his reputation as a gutsy fighter with his 25th Test century as Australia tightened the noose around India in the second Test in Calcutta yesterday.

Waugh smashed 110 after a record ninth wicket stand of 133 with Jason Gillespie to help the tourists recover from 269-8 and post 445 an hour after lunch.

The Indians, beaten inside three days in the first Test, faded once again to end the day at a pathetic 128-8, still 118 runs away from avoiding a follow-on. Some 60,000 shocked fans at the Eden Gardens jeered as the hosts caved in after master batsman Sachin Tendulkar was trapped leg-before by Glenn McGrath for 10.

Australia have three days in hand to force their 17th consecutive Test victory that will win them their first series on Indian soil since 1970.