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Lyon's five-star performance sends India crashing

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 19:17 IST
Nathan Lyon

After being bowled for 262 in their first innings, Australia were well and truly out of the contest but their bowlers launched a great comeback and kept them in the hunt on Saturday.

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Nathan Lyon produced a brilliant spell on Day 2 to claim five for 94 in 22.1 overs to leave India reeling at 266 for eight.

It looked like India were running away with the match after their openers had put on 108 runs for the opening wicket but Lyon changed the script with a two-wicket burst.

He claimed the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara (52) with a beauty, and soon after Virat Kohli also perished.

Once they had found an opening, Australia kept claiming wickets at regular intervals with some intelligent bowling and kept the Indian batsmen in a tight leash.

Lyon trapped Kohli leg before wicket for one and then claimed the wickets of Ajinkya Rahane and Sachin Tendulkar in successive overs to leave the Indians in a mess.

Lyon's five-star performance sends India crashing

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 19:17 IST
Lyon celebrates a wicket with teammates

He was infact unlucky not to have picked up the wicket of Tendulkar early in his innings when he was struck right in front as he missed the sweep but umpire Richard Kettleborough ruled in favour of the batsman.

But Lyon kept persisting with the ball, bowling in the right areas and not giving away any easy runs.

He bowled a long first spell of 22 overs during which he claimed four for 94 and later came back for his second spell and completed his five-wicket haul.

He ended the day with a wicket as R Ashwin was dismissed leg before wicket for 12.

India must have fancied their chances after bowling out Australia for a modest score but the hosts now have a lot to ponder. They have a narrow lead of four runs with just a couple of wickets in hand and will have to bat fourth on a pitch which is getting increasingly difficult to bat on with each passing day.