AUS v IND 2020-21: "It was massive", Lyon on Kohli's game-changing run-out on Day 1 in Adelaide 

A terrible mix-up with Ajinkya Rahane resulted in Virat Kohli's premature departure.

The run-out shifted the momentum back towards Australia | GettyAustralian off-spinner Nathan Lyon felt the miscommunication between Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli which resulted in latter's untimely run-out for the Indians was "massive" in context of the ongoing first Test in Adelaide. 

The Indian team were looking pretty well settled at 188/3 on Day 1 with Kohli batting 74 not out and building towards what would've been a memorable hundred. 

WATCH- Virat Kohli gets run out after Ajinkya Rahane sells him a dummy

However, a terrible mix-up saw a premature end to the great batsman's resilient knock after being called in for a quick run by Rahane, who did realise his mistake immediately and gestured in apology to the man. 

From a solid position, the Indian team ended the day placed vulnerably at 233/6 and Lyon, who simply completed the formalities at the other end after a good throw from fieldsman Josh Hazlewood, felt that run-out was a real game-changing moment. 

"It was massive. A wicket like that, run out, specially of Virat is massive. It was good to be back on board after the Ashes. He was batting pretty well, so happy with that," said Lyon at the virtual press conference after the day's play, as quoted by PTI

Lyon also spoke of tackling the different styles of Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara (43) during their all-crucial stand earlier in the day. 

"It was good fun, good conversations there but battle there is against the best players of the world. On a day-one wicket, it was a great challenge," Lyon said.

"They (Kohli and Pujara) are different in style and approach, batting against spin bowling. I am always up for the challenge against best batsmen."

Lyon dismissed Pujara, his historic nemesis after another riveting battle among the duo, and ended with figures of (1/68) off 21 overs. Overall, he said the Australians were satisfied with their work after losing the toss and being asked to bowl. 

"Definitely satisfying, but we can get a lot better. We are very happy with where we are at but can keep pushing the boundaries and keep getting better as a bowling unit. We are happy, but still lot of work to do," he said. 

The Indian batsmen enjoyed some slice of fortune as a lot of their edges fell just next to the fielder, but Lyon said that was down to the soft-hands with which they played and not the wicket. 

"If you look at India's top order, they play with extremely soft hands. The wicket was pretty good. We are looking forward to bowling in the second innings," Lyon said.

"Hopefully we will have good batting innings. The wicket will only get better. The pink ball gets soft a bit early. All in all very good wicket."

Lyon was all praise for young Cameron Green who shouldered the burden of the attack for nine economical overs on his first day of Test match cricket. 

"It's exciting, isn't it? He is extremely impressive. He seems to be an exceptional cricketer, lovely fellow, I already like his company," he said.

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 18 Dec, 2020

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