India were in big trouble as Australia moved to 4-192 in their second innings at Perth Stadium - an overall lead of 235.

At that stage, Australia looked set to build a lead in excess of 350 on a cracking and unpredictable pitch.

But a brilliant spell of pace and bounce from Shami knocked over Australia's last three recognised batsmen.

Shami started the rot when his rising delivery cannoned into Tim Paine's glove and popped to Virat Kohli at slip.

Aaron Finch, who was batting with a bung finger, departed next ball when he gloved Shami down the leg side.

Pat Cummins did well to survive the hat-trick ball.

But Shami snared the key wicket of Usman Khawaja for 72 when the ball spat violently off the pitch and caught the batsman's glove on the way through.

In the space of 10 Shami balls, Australia's hopes of a big total evaporated.

He also dealt out some pain along the way, with a bouncer cannoning into Nathan Lyon's helmet.

Lyon became his sixth victim next ball - with Shami finishing with career-best figures of 6-56.

It was the fourth best return by an Indian bowler in Australia.

India still face a big task to snare the 287-run victory target on a wearing pitch.

But if they do manage to pull it off, they'll have Shami to thank for it.

BEST TEST BOWLING FIGURES BY AN INDIAN IN AUSTRALIA

8-106 - Kapil Dev, 1985/86 in Adelaide

8-141 - Anil Kumble, 2003/04 in Sydney

6-41 - Ajit Bhalchandra Agarkar, 2003/04 in Adelaide

6-56 - Mohammed Shami, 2018/19 in Perth.

Australian Associated Press