Live Score Updates: Nathan Lyon-inspired Australia clinch thrilling win over India on Day 5
Incredible, outstanding, thrilling, nerve-wracking…. even these adjectives cannot define the series opener between India and Australia, as the pendulum swung one way to the other, but it was Nathan Lyon, who was the difference maker between the two sides.
India skipper Virat Kohli tried his best to put India over the line but as he went down, India’s hope of taking a series lead also washed away. Kohli, understandably, looked dejected after he was caught and knew how crucial his wicket was.
Once Indian captain was dismissed, it was just a matter of time for the Aussies to rip through India’s tail, as the touring party was bundled for 315 – 48 runs short of the required target. The match, however, yet again witnessed the never-say-never spirit of the Australian Team.
“If me and Vijay added about 40 runs there, the game would have been different,” Kohli said. “You see one opening and the team capitalises, and that’s what Australia did. I was trying to hit it much more in front of square.”
“But it was one of those mistakes I’ll look back and say I could have done better, Backing myself through the Test and no regrets,” he added.
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon, man of the match, proved instrumental in Australia’s win as he finished with twelve wickets. Lyon picked seven wickets in the second innings, on deteriorating pitch at the Adelaide Oval and used the conditions to his good.
Team India batsmen struggled to cope with the turn Lyon was getting from the track as he broke crucial partnership. He exposed India’s weakness against spin, maybe, but he didn’t stamp his mark as a frontline-orthodox spinner.
“I just had to keep asking question and lucky enough some came in my way,” Lyon said. “It was Test cricket, always twists and turns and we just had to hang in there.”
“They’re (Kohli and Vijay) unbelievable, they’re superstars, credit goes to them but I’m sticking with Australia,” he added. “Certainly I believed, it just happened. I’ll keep on believing.”
Earlier, Australia declared at their overnight total of 290, giving India a whole day to chase a gigantic total. The visitors, however, started on a good note, despite unfortunately losing Shikhar Dhawan and only lost two wickets in the morning session.
Needed 259 in 64 overs, the target was very much in need as Murali Vijay and Kohli took India close to the total. Lyon, meanwhile, trapped Vijay lbw on 99, but Kohli continued and struck his second century of the match.
But the final session belonged to Australia, as they not only ended Kohli’s stunning innings but also wrapped up the match to take 1-0 lead in the series.
