Nathan Lyon, Australian spinner, has called for keeper Tim Paine to retain his spot in Australia’s side after the Tasmanian resigned as captain over inappropriate behaviour.
The 36-year-old announced he was stepping down from the captaincy role on Friday, less than three weeks before the beginning of the Ashes 2021/22, following revelations about a sexting scandal.
Nathan Lyon: Tim Paine Is The Best Keeper In The World And Should Be Picked In Best Available XI
Nathan Lyon, who has formed a strong partnership with the gloveman who was appointed to lead his country following the ball-tampering scandal, also known as Sandpaper Gate in 2018, told reporters on Thursday that Tim Paine should still be selected behind the stumps.
“The selectors said they were going to pick the best available XI. In my eyes, Tim Paine is the best keeper in the world,” Nathan Lyon said.
“This is very selfish: From a bowler’s point of view I want the best gloveman behind the stumps. Every bowler’s relationship with the keeper is exceptional,” Nathan Lyon said.
The New South Wales spinner said Tim Paine was a “very lovable guy and very well respected”, indicating the former captain has the team’s backing to take on England when the series begins in Brisbane.
Lyon said: “I’m pretty sure I’m speaking on behalf of every bowler that we want the best keeper. He’s got my full support and I 100 percent guarantee he’s got the full support of the Australian change room,” the 34-year-old Nathan Lyon added.
Tim Paine’s captaincy and his wicket-keeping standards have come under severe criticism ever since India thrashed hosts Australia 2-1 in the 4 match Test series Down Under. Tim Paine has led his country to 11 wins, four draws, and eight defeats. Under Tim Paine’s leadership, Australia had retained the Ashes and won 11 of 23 matches but had lost two successive home Test series to India.
Tim Paine had scored 1534 runs in 35 Tests averaging 32.64 with 9 fifties. He is yet to score a ton but has 150 catches and 7 stumpings besides his name.
England’s 3 Day Warm-Up Game Against England Lions Saw Only 29 Overs Bowled
Meanwhile, the play was abandoned on the final third day of England’s warm-up against England Lions due to rain at Wellington Point, with Haseeb Hameed (53) and Rory Burns (39) both unbeaten at the crease. The play was abandoned with only 29 overs bowled in 3 days of the England vs England Lions three-day game at Peter Burge Oval in the coastal suburb of Wellington Point on Wednesday.
England will take on Australia in the first Ashes 2021/22 Test at the Gabba from December 8, and the fifth and final Test is scheduled for Perth’s Optus Stadium on January 14.