Brimming with confidence, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has been compared with legendary spinner leg-spinner Shane Warne by the Kangaroos head coach Darren Lehmann, who was also the teammate of latter while donning the national jersey.
“For him, he’s actually come out of his shell a lot as well. He wants the ball day in, day out, a bit like Warney [Shane Warne] did when he played,” Lehmann was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.
Interestingly, before the kick off of Ashes campaign in Brisbane, Lyon made a strong statement by the hosts would mark an ‘end to the careers’ of England players in the series Down Under.
“He’s totally changed. He obviously had to change a few things. But he didn’t need to change much in Australia, because you need to get the bounce,” Lehmann added.
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Lyon ahead of the first Test at Gabba targeted the visiting team with the war of words, before claiming two wickets in the first innings and three in the second innings to continue his solid performance at home.
However, Lehmann reiterated Lyon had not gained that much of confidence as much as Warne himself rode to, but feels the senior slow-bowler has proved his worth by making thing easier for the young bowlers in particular.
“He’s not as confident as Warney was, but he’s just really starting to lead and help the bowlers out, which is great,” Lehmann further added.
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The 47-year-old Lehmann has lauded the efforts of New South Wales-born Lyon, who played an important role while claiming five wickets in the Brisbane Test which was eventually won by hosts by ten wickets.
“He kept us in the game day one. He was fantastic. He’s just grown with confidence and success breeds that,” Lehmann maintained.
Owing to the self-belief, Lyon has further taken off the pressure after Cameron Bancroft and Tim Paine were included in the hosts’ squad, as Shaun Marsh proved his worth after sealing the number six position.
Interestingly, Lyon is listed seventh on the all-time list of wicket-takers from Australia in the Test format, as he has further made things miserable for visiting side.
“It was more when he went away from Australia to the subcontinent he changed a few things. He did that and had success,” Lehmann concluded.
With Australia to face England in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide on December 2 (Saturday), Lyon has been banking on his strength to exact more while rolling over his arm.
The 30-year-old Lyon played 70 Tests in which he claimed 274 wickets at an average of 31.78.
So far, while donning the white jersey, Lyon managed to bag 12 five-wicket hauls and nine four-wicket hauls.
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Moreover, Lehmann played 27 Tests for Australia in which he scored 1,798 runs at an average 44.95, as he further claimed 15 wickets.