The run-out of India skipper Virat Kohli was “massive” and it turned out to be a momentum-shifting moment, said Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon as the hosts snared quick wickets towards the end of the opening day of the first Test to walk off the field smiling.

India looked pretty settled at 188/3 after electing to bat first in the series-opener when a terrible mix-up between Ajinkya Rahane and Kohli resulted in the India captain getting run out after scoring 74. At stumps on Thursday, India were 233/6.

“It was massive. A wicket like that, a run out, especially of Virat, is massive. He was batting pretty well, so we were really happy to get him out at that moment,” Lyon said at the end of the day’s play.

Asked about his battle with Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara (43 off 160 balls), Lyon pointed out that the two have different batting styles and he enjoyed the challenge against the duo.

“It was good fun, good conversations out there. But the battle there is against the best players of the world.

“On a Day I wicket, it was a great challenge. They are different in style and approach, batting against spin bowling. But I am always up for the challenge against the best batsmen.”

Lyon said the Australian dressing room was happy with the way things panned out for them on Thursday. “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 a lot of work to do,” Lyon, who dismissed Pujara, said.

A lot of the edges from the Indian batsmen fell short of the fielders and Lyon said it was not because of the wicket, but rather the skill-set of the batsmen.

“If you look at India’s top order, they play with very soft hands. The wicket was pretty good.

“We are looking forward to bowling in the second innings. Hopefully, we will bat well in our first innings and also hope the wicket will only get better.

“The pink ball gets soft a bit early. But all in all, a very good wicket.”

Lyon found young Cameron Green to be very impressive on debut.

The 21-year-old bowled nine wicket-less overs, giving away just 15 runs. “He is an exciting cricketer and was really impressive.”