Ashes Warning: Nathan Lyon Urges England to Play Spinner
Australia's Nathan Lyon advises England to include a spinner in their Ashes lineup, emphasizing the importance of variation in changing the game's tempo.
“I've had to find a way to firstly survive but also create chances and build pressure along the way...”
Nathan Lyon believes England would be making a mistake by not including a spinner in their lineup for the Ashes. The veteran Australian spinner emphasizes that variation is crucial in changing the tempo of the game, and a spinner can play an effective role if their skills match the conditions.
Lyon's comments come after England unveiled a pace-heavy squad for the five-Test series, featuring five fast bowlers: Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood. Captain Ben Stokes and seamer Matthew Potts provide additional support. With only one specialist spinner, Shoaib Bashir, in the 16-man squad and all-rounder Will Jacks as his backup, Lyon thinks Bashir should be involved, despite traditionally bouncy wickets in Perth and Brisbane.
Nathan Lyon is all for playing a spinner in Australia 😀
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England's squad for the upcoming series includes Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood. The team will be led by captain Ben Stokes, who will be supported by seamer Matthew Potts.
The squad features only one specialist spinner, Shoaib Bashir, with all-rounder Will Jacks as his backup. Despite the traditionally bouncy wickets in Perth and Brisbane, off-spin great Nathan Lyon believes Bashir should be given a chance to play.
England's decision on whether to go with an all-pace attack in Perth is still pending, but they're likely aware that their spinners have struggled in Australian conditions. In contrast, Nathan Lyon excels on home soil, having taken 268 of his 562 Test wickets at an average of 31.08 in Australia. Lyon's expertise in Australian conditions makes him a formidable opponent, and England will need to strategize carefully to counter him.
Lyon's success in Australia is a testament to his skill and adaptability as a spinner. With over 500 Test wickets to his name, he's one of the most successful spinners in cricket history. His ability to thrive in Australian conditions will make him a key player in the upcoming series.
“I think a spinner can play a very effective role out here if their skill set suits.
“To be honest, (England's squad) is all pretty much what we expected. The whole squad is very attacking with fast bowlers.”
England's decision on an all-pace attack for the Perth Test is pending, but selectors know their spinners often struggle in Australia. Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon excels at home, taking 268 of his 562 Test wickets at an average of 31.08 in Australia.
“I grew up here, I understand and built my craft around playing on wickets that don't spin,” said Lyon, who will begin his Ashes preparations by captaining New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield this weekend.
“I've had to find a way to firstly survive but also create chances and build pressure along the way. It's something I thoroughly enjoyed doing and I'll keep doing that.”
England is looking to win the Ashes again after a gap of nine years, with their last victory in 2015. Additionally, they're seeking to end a long drought of Test series wins in Australia, with their last series victory dating back to the 2010-11 season when they won 3-1 under Andrew Strauss's captaincy.
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