Nathan Lyon turned the match with a seven-wicket haul, as India's tail collapsed and the tourists were bowled out for 315.
Australia beat India by 48 runs in a thrilling end to the first test at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday, as off-spinner Nathan Lyon picked up seven wickets, with Virat Kohli's inspired century going in vain for the visitors.
A match that had begun in high emotion after the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes ended in high drama after an absorbing final day. Set 364 to win after Australia declared on their overnight score of 290-5, India seemed to be on their way to an unlikely victory after a brilliant 141 from Kohli and a gritty 99 from opener Murali Vijay.
But Lyon, a former groundsman at Adelaide Oval, turned the match the home team's way with his offspinners, as India's tail collapsed and the tourists were bowled out for 315. Lyon finished with 7-152, giving him 12 wickets for the match, a career-best, and also handed Australia the early advantage in the four-match series, which resumes in Brisbane next week.
Also Read: Australia win by 48 runs as Lyon spun a web of wickets; Michael Clarke to sit out for the rest of the series
Kohli, in his first match as India captain, almost won the match single-handledly for his team, as he scored centuries in both innings and dominated Australia's bowlers on a pitch favouring spin. His career-best 141 came off just 175 deliveries and featured 16 fours and one six. He also shared a third wicket partnership of 185 with Vjay, who made half-centuries in each innings, but fell agonisingly short of a deserved hundred.
With India seemingly in control at 242-2 after tea, Vijay suddenly had an attack of nerves and threw his wicket away with a rash attempt to reach triple figures, as he was trapped lbw by Lyon after swiping at the ball. His departure triggered a catastrophic batting collapse as India lost their last eight wickets for just 73 runs with Lyon being the chief destroyer. Kohli continued to play a lone hand but when he mistimed a pull shot and was caught in the deep, the end came quickly for the visitors.
Australia's win did come at a cost though, with captain Michael Clarke limping off the field with a hamstring problem, which would likely keep him out for the remainder of the series.
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