ADELAIDE, Jan 28 (IANS): India suffered another 0-4 whitewash in seven months, losing the fourth and final Test against Australia by a massive 298 runs at the Adelaide Oval here Saturday.
The defeat was very much on the cards as chasing a world-record target of 500 runs India's second innings folded up for 201 runs in 58 minutes shortly before the lunch break on the final day.
It was also India's eighth successive overseas Test loss. India were also whitewashed during their tour of England last year.
Australia declared their first innings at 604 for seven and second at 167 for six to take a huge 499 runs lead. India were bowled out for 272 runs in the first innings after maiden Test hundred by Virat Kohli (116), who remained the only Indian centurion in the series.
Going into the fifth day, India were struggling at 166 for six and they lasted just 13.4 overs in the day.
Ryan Harris (3/41) struck in the third over of the day getting Ishant Sharma (2) caught behind.
In the next over, Peter Siddle removed the other overnight batsman Wriddhiman Saha (3) in a similar fashion - caught behind by Brad Haddin.
Ravichandran Ashwin (15 not out) and Zaheer Khan (15) offered some late resistance that was ended by Ben Hilfenhaus, who dismissed Zaheer caught at the short-cover by David Warner.
Local boy Nathan Lyon, who was preparing pitches at the Adelaide Oval three years back, rightfully wrapped up the proceedings by picking up the last wicket of Umesh Yadav, caught behind.
Off-spinner Lyon, making his Test debut at his home ground, picked up four for 63 in the second innings, including Virender Sehwag (62), Sachin Tendulkar (13) and V.V.S. Laxman (35). Lyon finished with a match haul of five for 111.
But the Man of the Match was Peter Siddle, who bagged five for 49 in the first innings. He finished with match figures of six for 96.
Australian captain Michael Clarke, who scored 626 runs, including a triple hundred and a double ton, at an average of 125.2, won the player of the series award.
