Sydney, Jan 3 (IANS): Australia's young fast bowler James Pattinson ripped through Indian batting, leaving the visitors struggling at 72 for four in the first innings at lunch on the first day of the second cricket Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here Tuesday.

Sachin Tendulkar was batting on 21 with Virat Kohli on 12 at the break after Australia claimed first session honours on the opening day of the 100th Test at the SCG.

Pattinson proved again that he is a star of the future, picking up the valuable wickets of opener Gautam Gambhir - off the third ball of the morning - and Virender Sehwag (30) and V.V.S Laxman (2).

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat, but the team suffered a massive blow when Pattinson dismissed opener Gambhir without a run being posted. Gambhir was caught at first slip by Australian skipper Michael Clarke.

Dravid was caught at short leg by Ed Cowan off Peter Siddle to leave the Indians on the back foot early at 2-30.

Sehwag, who was dropped by Ricky Ponting off the bowling of Ben Hilfenhaus in the first over after drinks on 23, was dismissed for 30 while poking at an away delivery from Pattinson to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. Laxman followed four runs later caught by Marsh.

Tendulkar received a huge cheer as he walked to the wicket. The cricketing world is eagerly waiting for the batting maestro to score his 100th international century on the historic occasion of the 100th Test match at the SCG.