Star spinner Nathan Lyon emphasised the importance of spinners in the Australian conditions and also highlighted how different variations in spin bowling can help change the course of the game.
“You`re asking the spinner if they want to pick a spinner. For me, yeah, you`re picking a spinner in every side. Variation, it changes the whole tempo of the game. I think spinners can play a very effective role out here if their skill sets suit,” said Lyon according to ESPNCricinfo.
He revealed that growing up in Australia, he first kept finding ways to survive in the Australian team. The spinner also said that he enjoys building pressure on the opposition.
“I grew up here. I understand and built my craft around playing on wickets that don`t spin. I`ve had to find a way to firstly survive but also create chances and build pressure along the way, and it`s something that I thoroughly enjoy doing, and I`ll keep doing that,” he added.
The “Baggy Greens” will lock horns with arch-rivals, England, for the upcoming Ashes series. The five-match Test contest will kick off on November 21, with the first game scheduled to be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Ahead of the series, it will be interesting to see if premier batsman Marnus Labuschagne manages to make a return to Australia`s Test squad.
Also, the Aussies will heavily rely on their all-rounder Cameron Green to make crucial contributions for the side against the “Three Lions”. Additionally, Pat Cummins is recovering from an injury and is hopeful of getting fit for the Ashes.
Earlier this month, the Three Lions announced a 16-man strong Ashes squad, where Ben Stokes was announced the captain and Harry Brook was announced as his deputy in place of Ollie Pope. England is blessed with plenty of pace options, including Archer, Wood, skipper Stokes, alongside a newer crop of pacers, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse.
England squad for The Ashes series against Australia: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.
(With ANI Inputs)