Steve Smith’s celebration upon reaching his century was a fitting tribute to his late friend Phillip Hughes. Source: Getty Images

“Funny how things work,” the Australian skipper says.

“I heard just before that Jason, his brother, made 63 today too.”

Funny, yes. Scary, absolutely.

Australia won the first Test of the summer last night in a pulsating Adelaide Oval contest, rolling India for 315, 48 runs short of a 364-run target they were hellbent on catching.

Nathan Lyon dismissed Murali Vijay at 4.08pm to spark India’s collapse. Source: Getty Images

It was a Test that was all about the memory of Phillip Hughes. It was always going to be, as long as it went ahead.

The 63 seconds of applause on the opening day. The ovation again whenever Australia or one of its players reached 63 — a score that is certain to become an emotional milestone for this generation of cricketers.

And that giant 408 painted into the Adelaide Oval outfield, celebrating the Test cap number of Hughes. The same painted number that Steve Smith shared his first-innings century with. The same one Nathan Lyon rubbed in the seconds after he bowled Australia to victory late on the final day with the greatest match performance by an Australian off-spinner in Test history.

Michael Clarke looked to the sky after reaching 63 on day two in Adelaide. Source: Getty Images

And the very one that the Australian team rushed towards in wild jubilation the instant the final wicket fell.

The Aussie players did not know it at the time — and Clarke only learnt after the match — but India’s sudden downfall in that thrilling final session, perhaps, had something to do with the spirit of Hughes.

At 2/242 nearing drinks in the final session, captain Virat Kohli already with a century and Murali Vijay one run short of his, India had Australia in genuine trouble. Not just likely to hold out for a draw but, with its scoring rate and wickets in hand, a credible chance of chasing down the biggest fourth-innings total to win a Test in Adelaide.

Then, on the first ball of the 70th over, the clock on the grand old Adelaide Oval scoreboard struck 4.08.

Nathan Lyon has been named man of the match in the first Test against India after taking seven wickets to lead Australia to victory on the final day of play.

4.08pm. On the dot. Lyon skips in, bowls, Vijay steps back and across trying to flick an easy single behind square leg for his hundred. He misses. The ball thumps into his pads. Umpire Erasmus, who had already knocked back arguably the plummest lbw shout in cricket history, sends Vijay on his way. At 4.08.

In the 91 minutes that followed, India lost 8/73 and Australia had completed one of its most dramatic victories on home soil.

Clarke was reluctant to discuss the impact Hughes had on the win.

“I don’t really want to talk too much about that, to be honest. I’ll get too emotional,” Clarke said.

David Warner nearly didn’t play in Adelaide, but ended up scoring two centuries and dedicating them both to Phillip Hughes. Source: Getty Images

“He’s in our minds, he always will be. He will be for the rest of my life.”

The final wicket of Ishant Sharma — which fittingly went to 12-wicket hero Lyon — sparked a huge celebration from Australia’s players.

The 11, missing Clarke due to the hamstring injury he conceded last night might end his career, converged on the 408 paintwork on the members side. Hughes had been named honorary 13th man — and was at the centre of the celebrations.

“It’s obviously very special,” Clarke said of the win.

“Every Test match you play for Australia you have a lot to play for, but obviously this series is even closer to our hearts.

Brendon Julian and Stuart Clark review the first Test which saw Australia take a 1-0 series lead against India.

“This first Test is one we will remember and cherish for the rest of our careers, there’s no doubt about that.

“Winning games of cricket is based on skill, not emotion. But when you get the result you’re after — I think that’s when you see more emotions come out.

“Hence the celebrations after we took that last wicket.

“The boys are pretty emotional in the rooms now.”