Nathan Lyon’s magnificent 6-wicket haul jolted the Indian tail, bundling up the visitors for 307 in the second innings of the Adelaide Test on day four. Kohli & Co. lost the last 5 wickets within 25 runs after a promising batting show in the first session and set a 323 runs target for the Aussie hosts.
In reply, Australia lost Aaron Finch at the stroke of the tea break while his partner, debutant Marcus Harris, remained unbeaten on 14. They still need 295 runs to win.
Australia’s run chase began with Finch surviving a scare right in the second ball of their innings. He was given LBW off Ishant Sharma’s delivery; however, the DRS gave him another chance as the speedster had overstepped by a whisker.
After getting revived from this blow, Finch and Marcus tried to hold the nerves as long as possible but Ashwin struck right before the tea break and drew the first blood. A flighted off-break from the veteran Indian spinner drew Finch forward and trapped him perfectly.
Earlier, India were all-out for 307 in their second innings with Cheteshwar Pujara (71) and Ajinkya Rahane (70) hitting half-centuries.
Nathan Lyon turned out to be the wrecker-in-chief who spun a web of his off-break deliveries to dismantle the Indian lower-order. After already having removed Pujara and Rohit (1) in the first session, Lyon hunted down Rishabh Pant (18), Ajinkya Rahane and Mohammed Shami (0).
Earlier, India lost five wickets for 25 runs after lunch to get bowled out for 307 in their second innings riding on half-centuries from Cheteshwar Pujara (71) and Ajinkya Rahane (70).
India only added 47 runs for their last five wickets after the resumption of play post lunch. Rishabh Pant (28) continued attacking Lyon but didn't last long as a wild swing found the fielder at deep cover. And thus, began the Indian slide.
Ashwin was then caught pulling in the deep off Mitchell Starc while Rahane was out caught reverse sweeping. Mohammed Shami (0) was out caught the first ball, wildly swinging at Lyon. Ishant Sharma (0) was bounced out as India were bowled out in just 11.5 overs after lunch. Their last seven wickets cost only 73 runs. Earlier, Pujara and Rahane took India to 260 for five at lunch.
Starting from overnight 151 for 3, India made good progress through the first session as Pujara and Rahane ground down the Australian attack with an 87-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Besides Lyon, Starc finished with 3 wickets, Australia need to chase 323 for victory. They have four and a half sessions to do it. No team has ever chased that many in a Test in Adelaide.