Nathan Lyon warmed up for the Test series against Pakistan in perfect style with an eight-wicket haul in the first innings of Australia’s ongoing tour-game with Pakistan A in Dubai.
The Australia off-spinner ended with figures of 8-103 as Pakistan A were bowled out for 278 runs in their first innings.
Following his excellent display with the ball, Lyon stated that he had been observing footage of spinners like India’s Ravichandran Ashwin bowling in the subcontinent to step up his game for the upcoming series.
“Taking wickets always helps, but I’ve worked really hard over the last 24 months or more on my subcontinent games. I’ve looked at a lot of footage of Ashwin and these guys and how they bowl over here – had to reassess the way I approached it,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the tour game.
“I’m happy with where I am at the moment, I’m feeling really confident, the ball is coming out of our hand really nicely. But it’s going to come down to bowling well in partnerships throughout the whole Test series. So, whoever is bowling – quick, spin, whatever – we’re really going to have to bowl well together,” he added.
Lyon has been observing footage of Ashwin and other spinners.
The 30-year-old had a wretched tour of the UAE in 2014 where he could pick up only three wickets in two Tests while going at an average of 140.
When asked if he had learnt anything from that experience, Lyon replied: “I’ve had four years, I’ve had plenty of time to think about it.”
The off-spinner recalled the remarks made by Pakistan stalwart Younis Khan at the end of that torrid series.
“I had a good chat to Younis Khan after that series actually and he said, ‘the only reason I sweep is because I don’t trust my defence and I’m sweeping your best ball’,” Lyon said.
“Usually when you’re getting swept, the best ball that you bowl is getting swept. I find it a little bit of a weird compliment that you’re bowling quite well but you keep getting swept. It can be annoying. It’s a challenge. I want to keep challenging myself to get better and better and if guys want to sweep, I know I am a different bowler from four years ago. I’m a lot more confident than I was four years ago.”
Lyon will now be hoping to back up his words when the first Test against Pakistan gets underway at the Dubai International Cricket stadium on October 7.
