One delivery pitched in the footmarks well wide of off-stump and had to be collected by Smith at first slip.

BBC: Pietersen reign starts with a win

Ganguly, who has averaged 40 or above throughout his 12-year Test career, could have done without beginning his final innings on a pitch with plenty of footmarks against an enthusiastic off-spinner capable of prodigious turn.

BBC: India set Aussies daunting total

But an exceptionally dry surface started to show signs of wear after just a couple of overs, courtesy of Peter Siddle's bustling footmarks, and by lunch repairs usually made much later in a Test match were being carried out by the ground staff.

BBC: England struggle in deciding Test