From a groundsman at Adelaide to at least one of the biggest spinners in the recreation, it has been a outstanding journey for Nathan Lyon. Even as he has grown in stature, Lyon has remained remarkably grounded, a form of father determine to Australia’s younger spin pack in India.
The 35-year-old off-spinner’s outstanding eight for 64 on the second day of the third Test right here on Thursday, has supplied Australia with a gilt-edged likelihood of victory. Patience is a spinner’s hallmark and, over his lengthy journey, Lyon has labored diligently on his skill-set, including new methods.
Welcome break
Lyon mentioned right here after the day’s play, “After Delhi, the long break was good for team-building.” He known as India “a quality team” and mentioned it was “a challenge to play against them.”
Lyon bowled a range of deliveries, however mentioned, “Trusting my stock ball really helped.” Coming round-the-wicket opened up all varieties of dismissals for him, Lyon mentioned. The champion off-spinner mentioned, “Steve Smith brought with him tactics to the team.”
On the outstanding catch at leg-slip by Smith off his bowling to dismiss a battling Cheteshwar Pujara, Lyon acknowledged, “Smith is the only one who could have taken that catch.”
Lyon lauded Pujara’s effort, “Pujara is not flashy, youngsters should learn defence from him.”
Talking about his childhood, Lyon mentioned, “My dad told me to do my own work properly and let things fall in place. Stay calm and not be under any pressure.
On Usman Khawaja hurting himself while taking a fantastic catch to dismiss Shreyas Iyer, Lyon said, ‘Khawaja is most probably good to play.”
Think constructive
Umesh Yadav, who bowled a searing spell of pace and reverse swing in the morning, mentioned “I always come with a positive frame of mind, my strategy is to hit the deck hard and make the ball do the rest.”
On the challenges of bowling on Indian pitches for a quick bowler, Umesh mentioned, “I have bowled so much in India that my body and mind have got accustomed to bowling in these conditions.”
About India defending 76 on Friday, he mentioned, “We have to remain positive and give our best.”