Nathan Lyon, Australia’s spinner while speaking from the Adelaide Oval claimed that he had developed a ‘mystery ball,’ which he was yet to name.
India and Australia face each other in 4 test series with the first day-night test at Adelaide featuring Virat Kohli who will head home after its conclusion.
Nathan Lyon Enjoys Bowling In Day-Night Tests
Nathan Lyon has picked 390 wickets in 96 matches averaging 31.59. Against India, he has 85 wickets in 18 matches averaging 32.6. He has a maximum of 7 five-wicket hauls against India.
“I’m always working on my bowling. I was working on it last night. I’m excited about bowling it in Adelaide. I haven’t come up with a name for it yet, but I’m in the process with that. So, well see when we get to it. Hopefully, we’ll have a name, just before the first Test, I reckon,” said the 33-year-old.
Even without that mystery delivery, India must remember that Nathan Lyon, who is arguably the best off-spinner in the world, seems to become even to be more dangerous with the pink ball under lights.
So far in pink-ball Tests, he has taken as many as 28 wickets at 25.96, much lower than his career average. Clearly, unlike a few other spinners, Nathan Lyon loves bowling with the pink ball.
“I enjoy bowling with any ball. I enjoy the atmosphere bowling in the day-night Test here in Adelaide. I think the wicket here in Adelaide is probably the best in the world. Damien (curator) has done a fantastic job,” he said.
Nathan Lyon has enjoyed more success against India by picking 85 wickets, including seven five-wicket hauls in 18 Tests spread over a decade with the best haul of eight for 50 at Bangalore on Day 1 of a Test.
Nathan Lyon Happy To See Mitchell Starc Feature In 1st Test
Nathan Lyon termed the Australian bowling attack as the best in the world. The Australian attack will challenge the Indian defence comprising of test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara who bothered them in the last tour in 2018-19 scoring 521 runs with as many as 3 tons.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing against India. They’re obviously some of the best players (batsmen) in the world, especially playing spin. So it’s always a big challenge, and I want to challenge myself against the best players of spin bowling,” he said, before deflecting the focus on him and terming the Aussie bowling attack as the “best in the world.”
“For me, this series is doing my role in the Australian cricket team. We’ve got a very good bowling unit here. In my eyes, we’ve got the best bowling attack in the world. We’re just going to have to make sure we’re doing our stuff and challenging the Indians’ defense for a long period of time. It’s not about personal success. It’s more about playing my role and making sure that we’re going out there to take 20 wickets.”
He would not approach his bowling in a different way against India even if they play aggressively.
“I don’t approach my bowling differently just because we’re playing against India. I think, especially over the last five years, my bowling has gone to a new level. I’m fairly confident with where my bowling is at the moment. So, that’s exciting. They’re a very attacking side. They always want to attack spinners which is fantastic,” he explained.
Nathan Lyon is mighty pleased that one of his best teammate, left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc, has returned to the Australian squad and will play in the first Test. Mitchell Starc takes the pressure off Nathan Lyon by picking up early wickets coming from around the wicket besides creating footmarks on the pitch that can help the off-spinner becoming more lethal.