#IndiaInAustralia: Three key moments of the second Test
What's the story
Australia ripped apart India to win the second Test in Perth. With this 146-run victory, Tim Paine's side equalled the four-match series at 1-1. Needing 287 runs to win, the visitors were rocked throughout the chase and were eventually bundled out for a paltry score of 140. Here are the key things that defined the second Test match.
Information
Australia do quick work on Day 5
India lost Hanuma Vihari early on Day 5 and from there on it was just about time. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc picked two wickets apiece. Nathan Lyon got Rishabh Pant's wicket to leave India rocked. India lost their 7th Test match in 2018.
Kohli
Kohli gets team selection wrong
Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli got the call wrong to leave a specialist spinner out from the playing XI. The decision to go with 4 quick bowlers on a predicted lively pitch backfired. India managed to take 20 wickets in this Test, but the presence of a spinner could have done wonders. Team selection blunders from Kohli is slowly becoming a recurring phenomenon.
Lyon
Lyon is a world class bowler
Nathan Lyon showed India what they missed in Perth. The off-spinner utilized the assistance the pitch offered and bowled tirelessly. He got the returns with eights wickets to his name. Lyon played a decisive role on Day 3 to rip India apart. In the second innings, the bowler got the important wicket of Virat. 16 wickets from two Tests sees Lyon dominating the show.
Australia
Australia were the better team in Perth
Australia were the better team in this Test and the 43-run lead was crucial for them in the first innings. Marcus Harris and Travis Head impressed in the first innings. Usman Khawaja (72) showed grit in the second. Aussie bowlers were more sharper than India and collectively performed well. They stuck to the basics and handled things well.