Nathan Lyon spins Australia to brink of third Test win over India

Nathan Lyon took a magnificent 8-64 to leave Australia with a modest victory target of 76 against India in the third Test on Thursday.

Australia, having bowled out India for 109 and 163, are closing in on victory after the Lyon masterclass that saw him take eight wickets in an innings for the second time in his career.

The 35-year-old claimed 11 of those 20 Indian wickets at Holkar Cricket Stadium in one of his finest bowling performances in a career spanning 118 Tests.

Lyon bowled 23.3 of Australia's total 60.3 overs against Indian batsmen known for their prowess against spin bowling and yet came up trumps though he developed cramp towards the end and needed medical attention to keep going.

Lyon said his performance in Indore was “up there as one of my career highlights” but insisted he was “more proud about our group” as they look to prevent India going 3-0 up in the four-match series.

“Personal success is great to have but after [the second Test defeat in] Delhi we had a couple of really good days off as a team, and really good conversations at training,” Lyon said.

He also paid tribute to his “very good mate” Smith, who was captaining the side in place of Pat Cummins who went back to Australia to be with his ill mother.

Stumps on day two