Australian coach John Buchanan says his side is aiming to gain a first innings lead, then set India a final innings run-chase of about 300 runs heading into Monday's fourth day of play in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval.

India is set to resume at 7-477 in its first innings, with Rahul Dravid on 199 and Anil Kumble on one, still trailing Australia's first innings of 556 by 79.

Dravid and VVS Laxman, who made 148, on Sunday combined for a fifth-wicket partnership of 303 runs to put India in with a chance of taking a first innings lead and leave the match evenly poised.

"It's at an interesting stage," Buchanan said.

"We're (79 runs) in the black, the wicket's still playing pretty well, but the forecast is for a couple of pretty hot days so we suspect the wicket will begin to play the odd trick over the next couple of days.

"Ideally we'll get a 50 or 60-run lead (on the first innings), make 250 (in the second innings), and then 300 on the last day might be difficult."

Australia will be without paceman Brad Williams for the rest of the match, after he strained the a-c joint in his left shoulder while fielding.

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