Steve Smith helped steady the ship for Australia as they fought back to reach 221-4 at stumps on day two of the second Test against India in Brisbane.

Having taken three wickets in the afternoon session, the tourists looked in control of the contest before Smith (65*), leading the side in place of the injured Michael Clarke, linked up with Shaun Marsh to put on an 87-run partnership.

Marsh came close to seeing his innings come to an end when mistiming a pull shot, but despite surviving he went soon after when he slashed at a wide ball from Umesh Yadav allowing Ravichandran Ashwin to collect.

That led to Mitchell Marsh (7*) joining Smith at the crease, where both remained unbeaten at the end of play to ensure that the Test remains firmly in the balance.

India are aiming to inflict a first defeat on the Baggy Greens at The Gabba since 1988.