Nathan Lyon open to different ODI roles for Australia

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Nathan Lyon
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Nathan Lyon. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Nathan Lyon, the star performer against the West Indies in the second ODI of the ongoing Tri-series stated that he would be open to playing a different role in ODI. The 28-year old off-spinner is arguably one of the best spinners in Australia at the moment. However, despite his massively impressive exploits in the Test circuit, Lyon has not been used in ODIs as of yet.

The off-spinner stated that he had indeed spoken with Steve Smith about bowling with the new ball and in the death.

“Smithy (Steve Smith) and I spoke a couple of times at a few different net sessions about playing a different role potentially with the new ball, potentially at the death, so I’ve just got to be able to work with what Smithy wants,” Lyon said at the post-match press conference after Australia chased down a measly target of 117 to record a six-wicket win.

Lyon was on the brink of a hat-trick when he removed Marlon Samuels and Kieron Pollard in consecutive deliveries. In spite of not reaching the landmark, Lyon added that he wasn’t focusing on the milestone. “It’s always good to be on a hat-trick,” Lyon said. “But at the end of the day I was more worried about trying to stop the runs and if a wicket came around, [then good]. It’s just about trying to create some chances.”

The chase was as hard as it got for the Aussies. However, they reached the target with almost a 50% of their overs to spare. Lyon also commended the form of David Warner. The 28-year old also added that it was a great feeling to have Mitchell Starc back in the fold after the latter’s prolonged injury.

“David is in exceptional form. We saw what he did in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is a world-class player and proven that tonight. Chasing little totals are difficult, but the way he went about it and the style of cricket he played was exceptional,” he added.

“We know how good he is with the white and the red ball. It is great to see him back. He has been itching to play… been out since November. There was a bit of rough floating around, but pretty sure he will get better. You want to see him at his best, bowling fast and that is what he does best. He is a competitor, a great cricketer and is awesome to have him on the side.”

Speaking about the selection of Adam Zampa, Lyon said, “About time, I reckon,” Lyon joked before elaborating. “No, it’s good. I get along with Zamps and Maxi really well. We work really well together and we seem to bowl really well in tandem. So it was exciting too, firstly play the first game with Zamps, and hopefully, there’s a big future for both of us.”

When asked about the threat of South Africa, Lyon stated that they were fully aware of what the Proteas were capable of. “We know what South Africa bring. They have some superstars and it is going to be a great challenge. We have to rock up and perform well, compete in all three areas and really have a good game. We like to challenge ourselves as Australian cricketers. We want to play against one of the best sides in the world. So we are looking forward to that game,” he concluded.

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