Before Lyon's late heroics, Vijay and Kohli, subbing for injured skipper MS Dhoni, combined for a 150-run partnership in the second session Saturday and looked set to save - or even help win - the test.
Needing 364 runs for victory from 98 overs on the final day, India was 105-2 at lunch and 205-2 at tea. The 159 further runs required in the final session was a temptingly achievable target for India's batsmen, who kept playing their shots in pursuing a record run chase, rather than trying grind out a draw.
The highest victorious fourth-innings test total at the Adelaide Oval remains Australia's 315-6 against England in 1902, Lyon toiled through 34.1 overs yesterday but the 26th - a double-wicket maiden - was arguably his most important.
The offspinner trapped Vijay lbw on 99 and Chris Rogers claimed a straightforward catch at short leg to dismiss Ajinkya Rahane for a duck.
Both men lingered at the crease and stared at Erasmus - Vijay in disbelief after being denied a ton and Rahane aggrieved because he didn't hit the ball.
Clarke said in the post-match ceremony that his side did Phillip Hughes "proud". Hughes' shock death caused the series to be rescheduled.
-Agencies
