Australia established a sizeable first-innings lead of 173 over India in the World Test Championship final at The Oval on Friday but only after Ajinkya Rahane led a tailend rally.

When Scott Boland knocked over Srikar Bharat's stumps with the second ball of the day, India were 317 runs behind with just four first-innings wickets standing.

They eventually dismissed India for 296, with Rahane -- the last of his side's specialist batsmen -- making 89 in his first Test in over a year and all-rounder Shardul Thakur 51.

Australia captain Pat Cummins took 3-83 in 20 overs but his figures would have been better but for six no-balls.