A snapshot of day two of the third India-Australia Test

By: Oliver Caffrey Time published 2023-03-02 at 11:39 PM (GMT +11:00)

A snapshot of day two of the third Test between India and Australia in Indore as Nathan Lyon starred with eight wickets.

India batsman CHETESHWAR PUJARA drives during the Test Match between England and India at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, England.
India batsman CHETESHWAR PUJARA drives during the Test Match between England and India at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, England. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

INDIA V AUSTRALIA, THIRD TEST, DAY TWO

SCORE: India 109 and 163, Australia 197

SUMMARY: After 14 wickets fell on day one, another 16 tumbled on Thursday as Australia closed in on a famous win. The tourists added 39 runs to their overnight score, but lost 6-18 in 30 minutes after the first drinks break to keep their lead to 88. But with an already spinning pitch rapidly deteriorating, India could only manage 163 in their second innings to set Australia just 76 to win on Friday.

MAN OF THE MOMENT: Nathan Lyon smashed a number of records on his way to spearheading Australia into a position where they could win their first Test in India since 2017. Lyon finished with 8-64 to make it 11 wickets for the match - the fourth time he has taken a 10-wicket haul in Tests.

KEY MOMENT: A chase of anything more than 100 was always going to be tricky on a pitch that has already come under intense criticism, and Cheteshwar Pujara appeared to be taking India there. But when acting Australia captain Steve Smith hung onto a classic catch to dismiss Pujara at 7-155, the tourists were on their way.

STAT OF THE DAY: Lyon has taken 113 wickets in Australia-India Tests, breaking Anil Kumble's record of 111 during his eight-wicket haul.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I'm more really proud of the way we've gone about it as a collective group. Certainly it's up there as one of my career highlights (the wicket haul), but I'm more proud about our group." - Lyon at his press conference.