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Nathan Lyon comes through tough test

Roar Guru
23rd March, 2013
1

When Nathan Lyon was dropped as Australia’s spinner for the second Test against India, he was told to work on some technical issues.

He did no such thing.

And on Saturday on a turning day-two pitch in Delhi in the fourth Test, Lyon shot to the top of Australia’s wicket-taking list for the series with 11 victims after taking 5-94 in India’s first innings of 8-266.

“No I haven’t changed a thing since I arrived in India,” Lyon said on Saturday night.

“I learned a lot about these conditions. I spoke to (stand-in captain) Shane Watson about getting in the contest and having that body language up and that paid off for me today.

“That’s something I can work on down the track.”

The 25-year-old South Australia spinner said having the chance to prove the selectors wrong had been a massive bonus after taking 3-215 and 1-29 in the first Test in Chennai and 1-124 and 1-27 in the third match in Mohali.

“Yeah it’s definitely pleasing,” he said.

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“The selectors picked what side they think is going to do the job for Australia.

“Unfortunately I missed out in Hyderabad but I worked hard in the nets and I was happy to bowl quite well out there.”

Lyon said the third five-wicket haul of his career would be one to savour.

Asked which one was his favourite, he said: “All five of them.”

But clearly taking Sachin Tendulkar’s wicket for the third time was a highlight.

“Every wicket I was fortunate enough to get today, playing against the likes of Tendulkar and (Virat) Kohli, you’re always striving to get their wickets,” he said.

“I’m quite happy with every one I got.

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“It’s definitely up there. I really enjoyed myself out there.

“I felt quite confident out there and in the contest.

“It’s definitely up there as one of the days I’ll remember.”

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