Lyon bowls Australia to victory over India

FE Team | Published: December 14, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

ADELAIDE, Dec 13 (AFP): Nathan Lyon bowled Australia to a gripping 48-run victory with Indian skipper Virat Kohli almost conjuring a come-from-behind win with a magnificent last day century in the first Adelaide Test Saturday.
The off-spinner claimed seven wickets in India's second innings and 12 for the match as he spun the home side to a thrilling triumph after Australia had set the tourists 364 runs for victory on a rollercoaster final day.
No team has scored more than 315 runs and won in Adelaide since 1902, but Kohli almost singlehandedly brought off an astonishing win with his second century of the match before he was caught on the boundary rope for 141 in the 82nd over.
While Kohli had an impressive near victory in his first Test as India's captain, it was the maligned Lyon who was Australia's match-winner, snaring seven for 152 on the wearing Adelaide drop-in pitch to go with his five for 134 in the first innings.
"It's very special. This first Test is one we will remember and cherish for the rest of our careers, there's no doubt about that," injured Australia skipper Michael Clarke said.
"The way the boys didn't fear losing and tried to push as hard as they could to try and win the game was something I was very proud of."
Kohli became the second Indian since Vijay Hazare to score two centuries in a Test at the Adelaide Oval since 1948.
But batting partner Murali Vijay, on 99, had no such luck and was cruelly out leg before wicket to Lyon three balls after Kohli raised his second century.
Australia 7 for 517 dec (Smith 162*, Warner 145, Clarke 128) and 5 for 290 dec (Warner 102) beat India 444 (Kohli 115, Lyon 5-134) and 315 (Kohli 141, Vijay 99, Lyon 7-152) by 48 runs.