Australia vs India, 1st Test: 5 talking points from Day 4

After posting a lead of 166 runs on the board by the end of Day 3, Pujara and Rahane displayed their class in the middle in the first session of Day 4 by turning the game in favor of the visitors. A solid 87-run partnership between the duo left Aussie bowlers completely clueless as they ran out of patience.

Rohit Sharma, who wasn't able to capitalize his start in the first innings, failed miserably in the second innings after a sensational catch by Peter Handscomb at silly point saw the back of the Mumbaikar. A cameo from Pant helped India cross the lead of 300 runs then a mini-collapse at the end saw Australia set a target of 323 in the fourth innings to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match Test series.

Nathan Lyon's spell was the turning point of the game as he bagged his 13th five-wicket haul with figures 6/122. Australian top order couldn't rectify their mistakes as they had no answers to Indian bowlers. Shaun Marsh and Travis Head stabilized the innings at the end of Day 4 as the hosts were 104 for 4 at Stumps on Day 4.

India needs six more wickets on the final day as they find themselves on the verge of scripting a history by becoming the first Indian Test team to win the first Test of the series on Australian soil.

Scores at the end of day 4: Australia 104/4 (Shaun Marsh 31, Travis Head 11; Shami 2/15)

Here are the 5 talking points from Day 4:

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1) India's fragile lower middle order

The Indian lower order crumbled cheaply

Though Pujara and Rahane showed their mettle in the middle, other batsmen weren't able to accelerate the lead. Rohit's dismal run in Tests continued as he fell for a run against Nathan Lyon. Pant took Lyon to cleaners scoring 18 runs off a single over. But he fell soon after that.

Ashwin and Rahane were dismissed in quick succession and it, in turn, hurt the visitors. Ishant and Shami registered ducks thus trimming the lead, which at one point looked set to be in excess of 350. Only 25 runs were scored by the last five wickets and the team has a lot of homework to do before the Perth Test.

#2. Lyon's brilliance with the ball

Lyon puts another impressive show against the Indians

The 31-year-old bagged his 13th five-wicket haul as he ripped apart the Indian line-up. Lyon looked menacing towards the end of day 3 when he provided the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Virat Kohli. He continued his fine form on day 4, breaking the crucial stand between Pujara and Rahane.

He kept the Indian middle-order at bay. The off-spinner bowled well and reaped rewards with another clinical show against India.

It is to be noted that Lyon's spell against India at Adelaide in 2014-15 played a vital role as the visiting side fell short by 48 runs despite twin centuries from Kohli. He replicated his brilliance with the ball this time too at the same venue.

Lyon has now dismissed Kohli, Rahane and Pujara at 6,7 and 8 times respectively.

#3. Pujara becomes 4th Indian to face 200+ deliveries in both the innings

Pujara has been India's mainstay in the batting in Adelaide Test

After a scintillating century in the first innings, the Indian No. 3 batsman proved his worth in the second innings too. Pujara hasn't created an impact on the overseas tours since his outing against Proteas in 2013. This year has been a one to remember as he amassed his maiden tons in England and Australia.

Facing 200 odd delivers in both the innings of the Test, he is now the fourth Indian after Vijay Hazare, MAK Pataudi and Rahul Dravid to achieve this prestigious feat. Pujara's list of records continues as he even reached his 5000-run landmark in his Test career in this Test.

#4. Finch's forgettable maiden outing at home

It turned out to be a dismal outing for Finch with the bat

Aaron Finch's maiden home Test turned out to be a disaster. Finch, who was constantly backed by ex-skipper Ricky Ponting couldn't keep up with the expectations as he struggled to get runs in both the innings.

After being cleaned up by Ishant Sharma for a duck in the first, he survived an LBW call in the second, which was given out but overturned courtesy of DRS as it was a no-ball.

However, he was dismissed after an umpiring but he chose not to review after being caught by Pant even though Snicko suggested that there was no nick on that.

He along with Marcus Harris weren't able to provide the starts required for the depleted Australian side and it will be interesting if they can bring about a change in the style of play in the Perth Test.

#5. Shaun Marsh's long vigil

Marsh was unbeaten at Stumps on Day 4

After repeated failures in the longest format of the game, Shaun Marsh finally came to Australia's rescue act as he showed a lot of grit and determination. He faced Indian bowlers fearlessly and is looking solid at the crease with Travis Head.

Marsh finally broke his streak of six consecutive single-digit scores and is looking set to making a statement to his critics. He has enjoyed a couple of memorable outings at the Adelaide Oval as he bagged the MOM in the D/N Ashes Test with a century. A few weeks ago, his knock of 163 helped Western Australia chase a target of 313 at the same venue.