Bengaluru, March 4 (CRICKETNMORE): Off-spinner Nathan Lyon struck crucial blows for Australia with three top order wickets as India struggled at 168/5 at tea on the opening day of the second Test here on Staurday.
Lyon was helped along by some poor shot selection by the Indian batsmen, sending back Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane for figures of 3/40.
Fast bowler Mitchell Starc and left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe bagged a wicket each.
Lokesh Rahul was the only batsman in the Indian top order to keep the Australian bowlers at bay to post a well made 79 by tea. His unbeaten 175-ball innings includes nine hits to the ropes.
Ravichandran Ashwin was giving him company at the other end when the teams went in for tea.
Brief scores:
India (First Innings): 168/5 (Lokesh Rahul 79 batting; Nathan Lyon 3/40) vs Australia.