A collapse from India in the morning session of day four of the second Test has put Australia on the brink of victory in Brisbane.

MS Dhoni's side began the day on 76-1 but an injury to Shikhar Dhawan forced Virat Kohli to start the session alongside the unbeaten Cheteshwar Pujara at the crease.

However, Kohli lasted just 11 deliveries as he was bowled by Mitchell Johnson for one, and he was soon followed back to the pavilion by Ajinkya Rahane for 10 as he also fell to the Aussie pace bowler.

Rohit Sharma was Johnson's next victim as he edged behind to Brad Haddin for a second-ball duck, while Dhoni also failed to trouble the scorers when he was out lbw to Josh Hazlewood to leave India in immense trouble at 87-5.

Pujara and Ravichandran Ashwin desperately tried to revive the innings as they moved their team past the 100-run mark, but Ashwin's resistance was ended by Mitchell Starc for 19 when he was caught behind.

Dhawan returned to the crease on 26 not out, and he and Pujara tried to steady the ship amid excellent bowling from the Baggy Greens' paceman.

The session ended on a disastrous note for the tourists when Pujara was caught by Nathan Lyon off the bowling of Hazlewood to leave his side 157-7 with a lead of 60 runs, with only three wickets remaining to build a competitive total to defend.