India vs Australia | Nathan Lyon has been difference between both sides, asserts Shane Warne

Nathan Lyon has been one of the most consistent performers for Australia over the years, especially in the long format of the game. Lyon was adjudged as man of the match in the second Test match in Perth as he picked up a total of eight wickets in Perth. Former Australian spinner, Shane Warne, suggested that if Nathan Lyon had bowled as he did in the Perth Test throughout his career, he’d have racked up over 450 wickets.

“[Indian players] like to dominate the spinners. Because Nathan Lyon was bowling a fraction straight in Perth – and what we mean by that is the ball being played on to the on-side off the back foot and the occasional sweep shot.

“The line that he has bowled has challenged both edges of the bat. Suddenly the Indians are pushing at the ball because Nathan Lyon has changed his line and the batsman are worrying about the one that spins back in. If he continues to bowl that line, has a bat-pad on the offside and gets the batsmen to play through the off-side he’ll add to his wicket tally,” Warne said during a show on Fox Sports.

During the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, which boasted a green track, Tim Paine was quick to bring Lyon in during the eighth over itself. It’s just the second time ever that Lyon has taken the ball within the first eight overs of a first innings in Australia. However, Warne reckoned that Lyon played a more defensive role this time around. Meanwhile, co-commentator Kerry O’Keefe suggested that Lyon has the Indian batsmen playing towards the covers at the moment.

“What Nathan Lyon has done and the significant reason why he’s successful is he’s put a bat pad in the off-side and he’s got the batsman out trying to play towards the covers.

“There’s a conservatism to Nathan Lyon. Until he gets really on top and then we see him challenge both outside and inside edge. Already we’ve seen during the ninth over that long on was back, Lyon came around the wicket and changed his line to middle and leg. That’s, to me, the old Nathan Lyon. 16 wickets at 19 for the series. You’re bossing the game. You’ve been hit for a couple of cover drives: only went for one boundary. Then bang! Different line and drop long on back. I think he’s just gone too quick back,” O’Keefe said.