Australian Off-spinner Nathan Lyon hailed Indian all-rounders Axar and Ashwin for their batting performance in the 1st innings of the second test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Axar and Ashwin stitched a partnership of over 100 runs which helped India to reach a total of 262 runs.
Nathan Lyon who was the standout performer for Australia in the 1st innings picked up a 5-wicket haul including the wicket of Indian Skipper Rohit Sharma. Speaking to Star Sports at end of day play, Nathan Lyon hailed Axar and Ashwin’s batting:
“They are not lower-order batters. Let’s get that clear. Axar and Ash could easily bat in the top-six in a few teams in Test cricket around the world in my eyes. They (India) have a very long top order, let’s just say that,” said Lyon.
Lyon said that Axar and Ashwin can easily bat in the top six in many teams around the world and lauded Axar for his exceptional batting. The game is very much balance, as Australia leads India by just 1 run at the end of 1st innings.
Earlier in Day 2, Nathan Lyon becomes the first Australian player to take 100 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Overall, he has become the third bowler after India’s Anil Kumble and Ravichandran Ashwin to take 100 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
If I Can Make Them Defend, Hopefully, I’ll Create A Few Chances – Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon, who found it difficult to find his rhythm in the first test in Nagpur, has returned to his very best in the second test in Nagpur. Lyon who is leading the Australian bowling attack in India said that bowling spin in any part of the world is all about consistency and the ability to challenge the batsman’s defence over some time.
“Bowling spin anywhere around the world is just consistency and being able to land the ball in the same spot over and over and be able to challenge their defence for long periods. Bowling around the wicket in this game I’m still trying to target off stump,” Lyon Said
Lyon further added that Indian batters have a solid defence and his goal is to make them defend more so that he can create more chances
“That’s my goal. If you understand cricket, you’ll understand what I’m trying to do and trying to get them defending because we know how good the Indian batters are. If I can make them defend, hopefully, I’ll create a few chances here and there.”
Day 3 is underway in Delhi, at the time of writing, Australia is 85-3 losing Travis Head and Steve Smith in quick succession. Ravichandran Ashwin picked up both wickets for India. The match is still very much in balance and both teams will look for victory in the second test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.