Nathan Lyon Praises Ashwin as Border-Gavaskar Trophy Looms

Nathan Lyon Praises Ashwin as Border-Gavaskar Trophy Looms

Nathan Lyon Praises Ravichandran Ashwin Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has heaped praise on his Indian counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin as the two prepare to face off in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Lyon hailed Ashwin as a “master of the craft,” acknowledging his exceptional skills and expertise in the art of spin bowling.

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series is set to commence on November 22, with the opening Test match taking place in Perth. This series will witness a thrilling clash between two cricketing giants, India and Australia.

In an interview with Star Sports, Lyon expressed his admiration for Ashwin and his eagerness to compete against the best. “I know Ashwin, and we debuted around similar times, and we have competed against each other in a number of series now, and between me and Ashwin, I have got nothing but respect for him,” Lyon said.

“I feel like I love watching him bowl, he is an absolute master in the craft of off-spin bowling, and it has been an absolute privilege to play against him and learn from him. Pretty exciting, it is obviously a massive summer for us out here, so we cannot wait to have the Indian guys out here,” he added.

The second Test, set for December 6 to 10 at the Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium lights. Following that, attention will shift to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, scheduled from December 14 to 18.

The iconic Boxing Day Test will take place from December 26 to 30 at Melbourne’s historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the penultimate stage of the series. The fifth and final Test, from January 3 to 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, promises a dramatic conclusion to the contest.

In 27 Tests against India, Nathan Lyon has claimed 121 wickets at an average of 31.56, with best bowling figures of 8/50. He has also recorded nine five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls in matches against India.

Geoffrey Boycott Advises Shoaib Bashir to Emulate Nathan Lyon's Bowling

Geoffrey Boycott Advises Shoaib Bashir to Emulate Nathan Lyon’s Bowling

Geoffrey Boycott, the legendary England opener, has urged promising off-spinner Shoaib Bashir to emulate the bowling techniques of Nathan Lyon, whom he considers the preeminent off-spinner in contemporary cricket.

Since his debut in India earlier this year, Bashir has claimed 29 wickets in seven Tests. However, he failed to make an impact in the second innings of the series opener against Sri Lanka at Manchester, as the batters effectively countered his variations by advancing down the pitch.

Boycott believes that Bashir possesses the talent to improve significantly. He highlights Bashir’s height and fluid action, which can generate bounce on hard surfaces and impart natural loop to his deliveries. However, he suggests that Bashir needs to refine his line and length consistency.

“My impression is he is not clear on what line he should be bowling so he tries all sorts of deliveries searching for a wicket,” Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

Boycott recommends that Bashir study videos of Lyon’s bowling. He notes that Lyon bowls close to the stumps, allowing him to drift the ball away from the batsman while aiming to pitch outside off stump and spin it back into the stumps.

“His straight-on ball brings slip in play and he has a short square leg for the bat/pad nick. That way he can beat right-handers inside and outside of the bat,” Boycott explained.

Boycott emphasizes the importance of matching line with length, as great bowlers must be able to control both aspects. He also advises Bashir to develop a stock ball that he can rely on to keep batters in check during Test matches.

“I think Shoaib has to learn that he can’t always go searching for wickets, admirable as that is, because it can become expensive,” Boycott wrote. “Sometimes when two opposition batsmen get set on a flat batting pitch the seamers are given the best end and the spinner the worst end. They are asked to bowl uphill or against the wind to do a holding job, keeping the batsmen quiet and runs to a minimum. That is why he needs a good stock ball.”

England currently hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Sri Lanka. The second Test will be played at Lord’s on August 29, followed by the series finale at The Oval on September 6.

Nathan Lyon Eyes India Revenge with Knowledge Gained from England

Nathan Lyon Eyes India Revenge with Knowledge Gained from England

Nathan Lyon, Australia’s premier off-spinner, is eager to utilize the insights he gained from England’s Tom Hartley during his stint with Lancashire to counter India’s formidable batting lineup later this year. Australia has not claimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014-15, and Lyon is determined to rectify that.

Lyon acknowledges India’s exceptional talent pool, highlighting opener Yashasvi Jaiswal as a rising star. However, he has also sought knowledge from Hartley, who has faced Jaiswal in county cricket. Lyon believes these conversations will provide valuable information on how to approach the Indian batters.

“I haven’t come across him [Jaiswal] yet, but that will be a massive challenge for all us bowlers,” Lyon said. “The way he played against England, I watched that quite closely and thought that was quite amazing. I had some really good chats with Tom Hartley about different ways he went about it to different guys which I found quite interesting.”

Lyon’s county experience has not only benefited his preparation for India but also for next year’s Ashes. He recognizes that the knowledge he has acquired could be reciprocated by Hartley, but he remains confident that the insights will prove valuable.

“If the plans we’ve spoken about come to true, then I think it will be,” Lyon added.

Josh Hazlewood, another survivor from the 2014-15 series, echoed Lyon’s sentiments. He acknowledged Australia’s recent struggles against India and emphasized the importance of winning at home.

“There are quite a few players who have never beaten India in a Test series. It’s quite astounding to say that,” Hazlewood said. “That’s one we need to tick off, definitely, in particular at home – we should pretty much win every series here at home.”

The five Tests against India will also play a crucial role in shaping the race for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June 2025. Australia is aiming to defend their title, and Hazlewood, who missed last year’s final, is particularly motivated.

“It’s always in the background, we have the table up [to see] where we are sitting and what we need to tick off,” he said. “For me, it’s a big one because I didn’t get to play the last one in England so that’s a burning one for me.”

Kent Triumph Over Lancashire in Vitality County Championship

Kent Triumph Over Lancashire in Vitality County Championship

Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond guided his team to a resounding seven-wicket victory over Lancashire in the Vitality County Championship match at Emirates Old Trafford. The Kent skipper’s unbeaten 79 steered his side to their target of 164, securing their first win on the ground since 1997.

Lancashire’s bowlers, led by Nathan Lyon and Tom Hartley, posed a significant challenge to Kent’s batters. However, the Kent top order remained resilient, keeping the scoreboard ticking over despite the difficult batting conditions. Lyon eventually dismissed Ben Compton for 29 and Jack Leaning for 16, but these wickets failed to derail Kent’s momentum.

Bell-Drummond’s partnership with Compton had laid the foundation for Kent’s victory, and he continued to anchor the innings with aplomb. Joe Denly struck the winning four to finish on 19 not out, completing Kent’s first win of the season.

Lyon finished with figures of 2 for 48 from 22 overs, while Hartley bowled 13 wicketless overs for 42 runs. The victory lifts Kent to sixth in the First Division table, while Lancashire remain winless and bottom of the pile.

CA's Decision to Cap Lyon's County Stint Draws Criticism

CA’s Decision to Cap Lyon’s County Stint Draws Criticism

Nathan Lyon’s County Championship stint with Lancashire has been capped at seven games by Cricket Australia (CA), a decision that has drawn criticism from former players and commentators. Lyon, 36, had initially signed to play the entire 2024 season across all three formats, but discussions with selectors reduced his stint to the first half of the season and red-ball cricket only.

Lyon expressed disappointment at the restrictions, while Lancashire was further frustrated when the first game of the season was washed out, leaving Lyon with just two overs bowled. CA’s high-performance team, led by selectors and the Sport Science Sport Medicine (SSSM) team, carefully monitors the total number of first-class matches senior players participate in to prevent injuries.

Lyon played 12 first-class matches in the 2022-23 summer, including a tour of India where he had a heavy workload. After bowling 53 overs in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, he tore his calf badly in the first innings at Lord’s, which changed the trajectory of the series. The selectors became acutely aware of Lyon’s importance to the side as they did not win another Test in the series in his absence.

Former Test captain Michael Clarke questioned CA’s decision, saying it “doesn’t make sense” for Lyon to return home for pre-season when Australia’s next Test match is not until November 22. Clarke believes Lyon would benefit from playing more cricket rather than doing a pre-season that could lead to injuries.

Former Australia batter Callum Ferguson also criticized the decision, saying he would like to see Lyon get the opportunity to play the full season if he thinks it’s best for his career. Ferguson believes it would leave Lyon in better shape for the next Ashes series.

CA’s chair of selectors George Bailey said the decision was made with the next summer in mind, where Australia is set to play seven Tests in less than three months. Bailey emphasized that the decision is not necessarily made for every player.

Nathan Lyon's Lancashire Stint Cut Short by Cricket Australia

Nathan Lyon’s Lancashire Stint Cut Short by Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia’s (CA) decision to limit Nathan Lyon’s availability for Lancashire has sparked controversy and raised questions about the balance between international and domestic cricket.

Lyon, Australia’s premier off-spinner, was initially set to play in all formats for Lancashire during the 2024 County Championship season. However, CA has intervened, restricting him to only seven of the first nine Championship fixtures. This move is intended to manage Lyon’s workload ahead of Australia’s home Test series against India later this year.

Lancashire’s director of cricket, Mark Chilton, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the club’s excitement about Lyon’s partial availability. He emphasized Lyon’s commitment to Lancashire and his potential to support the team’s goals.

The decision has raised concerns about the impact on Tom Hartley, a promising young off-spinner who could be affected by Lyon’s presence. England coach Brendon McCullum has questioned the wisdom of blocking Hartley’s development opportunities.

Lancashire captain Keaton Jennings acknowledged the “really tough situation” but emphasized the potential benefits of Lyon’s experience for Hartley. He believes Hartley can learn from Lyon and contribute significantly to Lancashire’s success.

Meanwhile, Lancashire is exploring options to secure a replacement overseas player for the T20 Blast and One-Day Cup. The club is actively engaged in discussions to find a suitable candidate.

CA’s decision highlights the ongoing tension between international and domestic cricket. While it is understandable that CA wants to prioritize Lyon’s fitness and performance for the national team, it also raises questions about the impact on county cricket and the development of young players.

Nathan Lyon Impressed by England's Young Spinners Ahead of Ashes

Nathan Lyon Impressed by England’s Young Spinners Ahead of Ashes

Nathan Lyon, Australia’s premier off-spinner, has expressed admiration for the performances of England’s inexperienced spinners in India, despite their 4-1 series defeat. Lyon, who will join forces with one of those spinners, Tom Hartley, at Lancashire for the upcoming county season, believes that Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, and Rehan Ahmed have shown great promise.

Hartley, who played in all five Tests, impressed with 22 wickets at an average of 36.13, including a stunning 7 for 62 on debut in Hyderabad. Bashir, who arrived late due to visa issues, claimed 17 wickets at 33.35, including a maiden five-wicket haul in Dharamsala.

Lyon, who closely followed the India-England series, praised the trio’s resilience in facing a formidable Indian batting lineup. He believes that Bashir, in particular, has the potential to be successful in Australia due to his ability to spin the ball over the back.

“All three of them stood out for me,” Lyon said. “They had a tough introduction to Test cricket, but they showed great character. I’m looking forward to playing with Tom and learning from his experiences as a left-arm orthodox spinner.”

Lyon also acknowledged the upcoming Ashes series in Australia in 2025-26, where England will aim to win down under for the first time since 2010-11. While there is speculation about potential retirements in the Australian team, Lyon believes that the current group can continue playing for several more years.

“We’re definitely getting closer to the end, but we’re still doing the hard work and preparing well,” Lyon said. “There’s no reason why we can’t keep playing for three to four or five years. The skill is always going to be there, and Pat Cummins understands the importance of managing our bowlers.”

Australia's Belief Tested as Lyon's Body Language Contradicts Words

Australia’s Belief Tested as Lyon’s Body Language Contradicts Words

Nathan Lyon’s words may have expressed optimism, but his body language and tone hinted at a different story as Australia faces an uphill battle to salvage the second Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval.

Trailing by 279 runs, Australia stumbled to 34 for 4 in their pursuit of victory. Lyon, once again tasked with the nightwatchman role, was not required to bat as Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh guided the team to stumps without further loss. However, the task remains daunting, with 202 runs still needed and only six wickets in hand.

Despite the precarious position, Lyon maintained Australia’s belief in their ability to pull off a remarkable escape. “It would be a great Test match win if we’re able to pick this off,” he said. “There’s a lot of belief in that change room… we can win from any position.”

Lyon pointed to Australia’s successful chase of 282 at Edgbaston in the Ashes last year, where he and Pat Cummins shared an unbeaten 55-run stand for the ninth wicket. However, such high-scoring fourth-innings chases are rare for Australia, with only 13 successful instances and only two since 2006.

Lyon’s words of confidence were somewhat contradicted by his demeanor. Just days earlier, he had exuded optimism in Wellington, declaring that Australia would create the necessary chances to win. In Christchurch, his tone was more subdued, his body language suggesting a different reality.

Lyon admitted to feeling nervous as the nightwatchman, a role he has been forced to play twice in this series. “Too often I seem to be batting in the top six,” he said. “Happy to do the role but it’s nice that I didn’t have to walk out there tonight.”

While Lyon refrained from direct criticism of his batting group, his tone hinted at frustration. “It’s not a frustration. I think it’s a learning curve for us,” he said. “We’re on a path… to become one of Australia’s great cricket teams.”

Lyon’s words reflect the challenges facing an aging Australian team, with nine of the 11 members over the age of 30. While victory at Hagley Oval remains a possibility, the team’s actions and words currently seem out of sync.

Australia Aim to Extend Lead in 2nd Test as Labuschagne, Lyon Resume

Australia Aim to Extend Lead in 2nd Test as Labuschagne, Lyon Resume

New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test Day 2 Live Updates: Australia Aim to Extend Lead with Labuschagne and Lyon at the Crease

The second Test between New Zealand and Australia at Hagley Oval in Christchurch witnessed a thrilling opening day, with 14 wickets falling and Australia gaining the upper hand. Paceman Josh Hazlewood’s five-wicket haul restricted New Zealand to 229, while Australia ended the day at 124 for 4, thanks to Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 45.

Resuming on Saturday, Labuschagne and night-watchman Nathan Lyon will look to extend Australia’s lead. Labuschagne, who has been in impressive form throughout the series, will be key to Australia’s hopes of building a substantial total. Lyon, known for his resilience and ability to bat in difficult situations, will provide valuable support.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be eager to make early inroads and regain control of the match. Tim Southee, who took three wickets on Day 1, will be the main threat for the hosts. Trent Boult and Neil Wagner will also be looking to make an impact with their pace and aggression.

The pitch at Hagley Oval has shown signs of uneven bounce and seam movement, making it a challenging surface for both batters and bowlers. The weather forecast for Day 2 is favorable, with clear skies and no rain expected.

With the series level at 0-0, both teams will be desperate for a win in Christchurch. Australia will be aiming to take a 1-0 lead, while New Zealand will be determined to bounce back and level the series.

Tom Hartley Eager to Learn from Nathan Lyon at Lancashire

Tom Hartley Eager to Learn from Nathan Lyon at Lancashire

Tom Hartley, England’s rising star spinner, is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to learn from Nathan Lyon, Australia’s legendary off-spinner, during their time together at Lancashire in the 2024 season. Hartley, who has impressed with his performances in India, believes Lyon’s guidance will be invaluable in his development.

Despite Lyon’s arrival, Hartley remains confident in his abilities. He acknowledges the need to improve his seam presentation, particularly in English conditions, and sees Lyon as the ideal mentor to help him achieve this. Hartley also recognizes the importance of developing his batting skills to become a more versatile all-rounder.

Hartley’s batting prowess has been evident in India, where he has scored 159 runs, including a crucial 34 in the second innings of the first Test. He believes that improving his batting will make him a more valuable asset to both Lancashire and England.

Hartley’s six-hitting exploits have also caught the attention of England’s management. He has struck more sixes than any other England player in the series, a feat that has earned him praise from head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.

Hartley is determined to continue his impressive form in the remaining two Tests against India. He hopes to add to his tally of 20 wickets and potentially surpass R Ashwin’s record of five sixes conceded in a single series.

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