What a Test match this has been for David Warner, coming out of emotional turmoil and stroking yet another scintillating century at the Adelaide Oval. Warner made his second successive century of the match to put Australia well and truly in command on Day 4.
It was not all Warner though, as off-spinner Nathan Lyon kept India in check by completing a fifer and helping Australia take a crucial 73-run lead, which was extended to 363 by the end of day’s play, with Steven Smith and Brad Haddin at the crease.
Lyon was the wrecker-in-chief for the Aussies as he ripped through the famous Indian batting line-up, taking wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha and tailender Ishant Sharma.
The off-spinner exposed India’s weakness to play the turning balls, just like Moeen Ali did in England series. With final day’s play still left and the pitch will only deteriorate, it would be interesting to see how Indian batsmen cope his sharp turners.
After bundling India inside 450 runs, Warner took the initiative and didn’t allow Indian bowlers to settle down, much like the first innings. He got off the block a touch slower, but picked pacer and made crucial partnerships with Shane Watson and Smith.
Debutant leg-spinner Karn Sharma picked a couple of wickets, but he was on expensive side, while Varun Aaron, Mohammed Shami and Rohit took one wicket apiece.
