Nathan Lyon has bolstered his case for being Australia's most important player by dismissing Virat Kohli in Perth for the seventh career time – two more than any other bowler in Test cricket.
The offspinner's dismissal of the Indian superstar couldn't have come at a better time.
GOAT: On Monday, Nathan Lyon dismissed Virat Kohli for the seventh time in his career.Credit:AAP
Having survived an initial examination from Australia's quicks on a spicy pitch, Kohli had loomed as India's best hope of chasing an imposing target of 287.
The Indian skipper's century in the first innings confirmed his status as the world's best batsman and his fiery exchanges with Tim Paine emphasised his determination to lead India to a historic Test series victory in Australia.
Advertisement
But Lyon needed just four overs on Monday to get his man, luring Kohli's edge with a delivery that held its line and was snaffled by Usman Khawaja at first slip.
Lyon then had opener Murali Vijay (20) chopping onto his stumps to reduce India to 4-55.
Former teammate and Australian assistant coach Brad Haddin said he had never seen Lyon bowl better.
"His mindset has changed a heap over the past 12 months," Haddin said on the Seven Network.
"He feels like, no matter where the game is at, he can win the game for us."
Lyon's five-wicket haul in the first innings – his seventh against India in Tests – earned him praise from Indian great Sachin Tendulkar.
"Australia have got a very special spinner in @NathLyon421," Tendulkar posted on Twitter.
"He has got terrific variations and uses the pace and bounce from the pitch to extract maximum value."
AAP
Most Viewed in Sport
[contf] [contfnew] 
Australian Breaking News Headlines
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
