Nagpur, November 10:

Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra combined for seven wickets as India handed Australia just their second series defeat in three years, completing a 172-run victory today to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2-0.

Australia were dismissed for 209 just before tea on the last day, chasing an unlikely 382 to win the fourth and final Test. Spinners Harbhajan (4-64) and Mishra (3-27) built on the fine early work of paceman Ishant Sharma (2-31) and only when opener Matthew Hayden plundered 77 did India look in any danger.

India, who won the Trophy in 2004, took the lead in the series with a 320-run victory in the second Test in Mohali. Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the series win over Australia was a fitting farewell to Kumble and Sourav Ganguly.

The Australians, who resumed at 13-0, scored 98 in the first session but lost three wickets by lunch and another seven went after the break. When Hayden (77) and Michael Hussey (19) were sharing a 68-run stand for the fourth wicket Australia had a slim chance of staying in touch, but they were removed in consecutive overs to leave the tourists struggling at 154-5.

Things improved for India when Brad Haddin (4) chipped to Sachin Tendulkar at mid-on, giving Mishra his second wicket and Tendulkar his 100th Test catch. Shane Watson (9) followed after edging Harbhajan to Dhoni before Jason Krejza (4) was stumped off Mishra. Brett Lee (0) popped a catch to Murali Vijay at short leg and the match ended when Harbhajan got leg before wicket decision against Mitchell Johnson.

Sharma was the best of the bowlers in the morning session, but it was Mishra and Harbhajan who created the most trouble. Sharma struck in the fifth over when Simon Katich (16) skied an attempted pull shot and Dhoni took a running catch. Australia’s situation worsened in the next over when Ponting (8) was run-out by Mishra’s direct hit. Clarke, who had a runner due to illness, added 22 before he flayed at Sharma and edged to Dhoni.