Nathan Lyon and Travis Head earn edge for Australia in tight battle with India

18.02.2023 - 15:59 theguardian.com

Australia enjoyed their best day of the Border-Gavaskar series, but the drama-packed second Test against India remains in the balance after a rollercoaster three sessions.

The tourists have a lead of 62 after going to stumps at 1-61, but India struck a late blow when removing Usman Khawaja, Australia’s top-scorer in their first innings, for just six runs.

Forced to bat for a tricky 13 overs under lights at Arun Jaitely Stadium in Delhi, Australia quickly went about extending their one-run first-innings advantage in attacking fashion to shock India’s bowlers, despite the loss of Khawaja, caught by Shreyas Iyer off the bowling of Ravi Jadeja.

The recalled Travis Head (39 not out) opened with Khawaja, filling in for the veteran David Warner, subbed out of the match before play on Saturday with concussion.

Sporting rowing bowling David Warner Nathan Lyon Matt Renshaw Todd Murphy Australia India

It isn't often that Australia spinners find themselves in the spotlight. However, on the tour of India, the likes of Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann have found plenty of success, with Murphy particularly getting the better of batting icon Virat Kohli on multiple occasions. As a matter of fact, Murphy has dismissed kohli a total of three times already this season and is looking to extend his success to the 4th Test where the two teams will square-off, starting March 09.

'Nathan Lyon Has Got Years To Go...': Australia Great On Star Spinner

Nathan Lyon's longevity in international cricket has been "amazing" and the off-spinner should continue as long as he remains fit to compete at the elite level, feels former Australia batter Mike Hussey. Lyon, 35, had a quiet start to Border-Gavaskar Trophy taking only one wicket in Nagpur but has come back with a bang snapping 18 scalps from next two Test matches, including a 10-for in Australia's win in Indore.

"India Might Win But...": Sunil Gavaskar Issues Clear Warning For Rohit Sharma And Co Ahead Of 4th Test Against Australia

Former Indian cricket team skipper Sunil Gavaskar called for balanced pitches in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy after the Holkar Stadium in Indore received three demerit points from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The pitched used during the series dominated headlines for being too spinner-friendly and Gavaskar believes that it can backfire for the hosts. Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon were the top performers for Australia as they made their way back in the four-match series and the former skipper sounded a warning for India ahead of the fourth Test.

Travis Head eases Australia to rare Test win in India

Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne held their nerve on a viciously turning Indore pitch to guide Australia to a nine-wicket victory Friday and only their second Test win in India since 2004.

'Learn from Cheteshwar Pujara And Shreyas Iyer': Rohit Sharma's Honest Advice To Faltering India Batters After Loss

India skipper Rohit Sharma has advised the team's batters to learn from Shreyas Iyer and Cheteshwar Pujara on how to bat on a rank turner like Indore pitch. India failed in batting as the side scored only 272 runs across its two innings in the third Test in Indore that it lost by 9 wickets. While the Rohit-led side scored 109 runs in its first innings, it was bundled out for 163 in the second innings, which failed to stop Australia from winning the game. Rohit said there was a lot to learn from Cheteshwar Pujara and Shreyas Iyer who batted in contrasting styles to take the team past 150 in the second innings. Pujara mixed caution with aggression while Iyer unsettled the Australian spinners by going for an all-out attack.

Travis Head goes on attack to guide Australia to rare Test win in India

Australia survived a small but tricky run chase to win by nine wickets on a spinning, crumbling pitch in Indore and secure a memorable Test victory in India.