Nathan Lyon Surprised by Ashwin and Jadeja’s Exclusion for Perth Test
Australia’s veteran spinner Nathan Lyon was surprised by India’s decision to drop Ashwin and Jadeja for the Perth Test. It was part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. They are spin-bowling stalwarts. Ahead of the second Test, Lyon backed teammate Mitchell Marsh. He is expected to play a key role in the pink-ball match at Adelaide Oval.
Backing Mitchell Marsh for the Pink-Ball Test
Nathan Lyon is optimistic about Mitchell Marsh’s fitness. He hopes Marsh can bowl in Adelaide. As the match goes on, the pitch will favor bowlers. So, Lyon suggested that Marsh could help Australia’s main bowlers.
“I honestly think we’ll see Mitch Marsh bowl. I’m not concerned about Bison’s (Marsh’s) fitness if I’m being honest. He’s been brilliant for us in the games (since) he’s come back in … I’ve got full confidence in Bison, happy to bowl his overs. I’m very clear on my role within the team so nothing really changes with me. If I get the opportunity to bowl more overs I’ll jump at it,” said Lyon to reporters on Wednesday.
Lyon also acknowledged the challenge of facing a strong Indian side. He emphasized the need for Australia to bounce back after their 295-run defeat in Perth.
Turning Things Around in Adelaide
Lyon admitted that Australia had outplayed them in Perth but expressed confidence in their ability to regroup for the second Test.
“We understand that we didn’t play our best cricket in Perth and India totally outplayed us. But with all the other stuff, it’s been quite humorous in a way looking at how much has been said and the reactions of so many different people after one loss.”
Lyon, upbeat about the game, highlighted Australia’s strong record at Adelaide Oval.
“The beauty of a five-match Test series…is you get the opportunity to turn that around and that’s the challenge of what we face right now. We are coming up against a world-class India side that played an exceptional game of cricket over in Perth but that’s been nine days or so ago now, so come Friday we go again which I’m excited about.”
Ashwin and Jadeja’s Omission: “Remarkable”
Lyon was shocked by India’s decision to bench their spinners, Ashwin and Jadeja, for the Perth Test. Instead, India opted for Washington Sundar, a younger and less experienced spinner.
“(It) more than surprises me. That’s the quality of Indian cricketers they have in that squad. You’ve got Ashwin with 530-odd wickets (536) and then Jadeja over 300 wickets (319). It’s pretty remarkable to see the quality of players sitting on the bench.”
Lyon praised India’s exceptional cricket in Perth, despite their odd selections. He believes the Test will be another exciting contest.
Key Highlights:
Australia lost the first Test by 295 runs in Perth.
Nathan Lyon backed Mitchell Marsh to bowl in the Adelaide Test.
Lyon expressed surprise at India benching R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
The pink-ball Test begins on December 6 at Adelaide Oval.
