'Feels a bit sick to say 'come on Jimmy'' - Nathan Lyon reflects on 'beauty of country cricket' as James Anderson becomes team-mate

Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has admitted that it was weird to cheer his fierce rival James Anderson. Lyon and Anderson are playing together for Lancashire in the County Championship.  Preparing for his final Test for England, Anderson got off to a scintillating start as he picked up sensational figures of 7/35 against Nottinghamshire.

Speaking of his performances, Lyon was impressed but stated how it felt weird given the fierce rivalry of England and Australia. Lyon added that cheering for players from rival countries is the beauty of county cricket and that it was special to play alongside one of the greatest pacers of all time. 

"I’ve obviously seen it on the other side. We had a little moment when we said it felt a bit sick for me to say “come on Jimmy” and him saying “nice Garry”. That was a bit different but it’s the beauty of county cricket I guess and it’s pretty special to play with arguably the greatest bowler to ever play the game,” Lyon was qtold Lancashire website.

I’m very much surprised that England have tapped him on the shoulder: Lyon

Lyon also heaped praise on Anderson for his remarkable spell, where he took seven wickets and conceded just 35 runs. He branded Anderson a class apart from the other bowlers and expressed his surprise that England are letting him go.

"He (Anderson) showed his class. No disrespect to the other bowlers in this game but you can see the class of Jimmy and the extra zip he gets off the wicket. I’ve said this before, I’m very much surprised that England have tapped him on the shoulder. He’s class, he’s world-class. He’s probably the best to ever play the game as a fast bowler and his skillset, especially in England, is remarkable,” Lyon said.