Lyon helps swing test for Aussies

Spinner Nathan Lyon took 5-67 to help swing the momentum back to Australia after India captain Virat Kohli had earlier scored his sixth century in Australia on the third day of the second cricket test yesterday.

Lyon bowled a marathon 34.5 overs and claimed his second consecutive five-wicket haul to help secure a 46-run lead for the hosts. Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc (2-79) and Josh Hazlewood (2-66) took two each.

Australia were 132-4 at stumps to further extend their lead to 175 runs, with No 3 Usman Khawaja on 41 and skipper Tim Paine on eight.

Aaron Finch took a painful blow on his right index finger off fast bowler Mohammed Shami and retired hurt, forcing the umpires to take an early tea with five balls remaining.

Fellow opener Marcus Harris was also felled by a Jasprit Bumrah bouncer when he was hit on the front of the helmet. He required attention on the field by the team doctor and continued after changing his helmet.

But the day belonged to captain Kohli, who scored 123 off 257 balls for his 20th century in his 75th test. His innings of just over six hours had a six and 13 fours and was the first test century at the new Perth Stadium.

Just when Kohli threatened to take command, he fell adjudged caught by second slip Peter Handscomb off fast bowler Pat Cummins.

Handscomb claimed a low catch and third umpire Nigel Llong could not find sufficient video evidence to overturn the on-field umpire’s verdict that a clean catch had been taken, despite some angles showing the ball may have hit the turf before Handscomb’s fingers had wrapped around the ball.

After India had slumped from 223-4 to 254-8, Rishabh Pant hit a brisk 36 runs to reduce the deficit.

On a pitch that continued to offer pace and bounce, Lyon bowled with guile and control to claim his 14th five-wicket bag in an innings in his 82nd test. He began the day by removing the dangerous Ajinkya Rahane (51) to end the threatening 91-run fourth wicket stand with Kohli. Lyon then went on to dismiss tailenders Shami, Ishant Sharma and Bumrah either side of lunch.