Nathan Lyon expresses satisfaction at his performance
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon expressed satisfaction at his performance on day three of the first Test, claiming two wickets, to check India's batting charge at the Adelaide Oval here Thursday.
Lyon exploited the rough patches on the pitch created by both, the Australian and Indian pacers, and used them to his advantage, picking up two wickets for 103 runs. India ended the day at 369/5, in reply to Australia's 517/7 declared, still trailing by 148 runs.
"It felt pretty good, the ball was coming out nicely from my hand," Lyon said on Thursday.
"But having said that, we are still halfway through the job. We still need five wickets tomorrow morning before we bat. Let's see how it goes."
He was initially taken for runs by the Indian batsmen but found his rhythm as the day progressed, to dismiss well-set batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara (73) and Ajinkya Rahane (62).
The off-spinner credited skipper Virat Kohli for leading India with a brave knock of 115 runs.
"They are a team full of superstars. Credit to Virat Kohli - he led his team very well. The match is still very much in the balance. If we are able to take these five wickets with a lead, the pressure is going to be on them when we come in for our second innings. That's our aim," he said.
The right-armer also believed there were signs of the pitch deteriorating and that there was something in it for everyone.
"There are signs of deterioration in the pitch, especially with pacers mixing it by coming round and over the wicket. That is good because it means the game will move forward. There is something in there for everyone and that is exciting," he said.