Nathan Lyon’s smooth start in Test cricket is under threat from an India team that has halted the careers of previous Australian spinners.
The 24-year-old South Australian’s eight Tests since he made his debut in August equals the most in succession any frontline tweaker has played for Australia since Shane Warne.
Of the 12 slow bowlers tried since Warne’s last Test in January 2007, fellow offspinner Nathan Hauritz is the only other one given such a sustained run.
But the last of Hauritz’s 17 Tests came against India, when he managed just six wickets for 390 runs in a two-Test series.
Victoria’s legspinner Cameron White is another whose brief stint in the Test side was brought undone by India’s master players of spin.
White’s only four Tests came in India in 2008, when he averaged 68.4.
Lyon has shown every sign of being the long-term spin answer Australia have been seeking since swapping Adelaide Oval groundsman’s duties for a baggy green cap in August.
A five-wicket haul in his debut Test innings helped set up a win over Sri Lanka.
Key roles in more recent wins over South Africa and New Zealand also contributed to 22 wickets at 24.59 in his first seven Tests.
But, having been blunted by India’s batsmen and a seam-friendly pitch in the first Test at the MCG, the current series looms as a serious examination of how Lyon copes when things get tough.
He went at four per over against India at the MCG and his only wicket was No.11 Umesh Yadav, caught in the deep to end the match.
India’s players have repeatedly stated they will attack Lyon, not because they regard him as a poor bowler, but simply because he is a spinner.
Even Warne’s figures show they can back that ambition.
Despite 708 Test wickets at 25.41, Warne could manage just 43 scalps at 47.18 against India, while conceding almost half a run per over more than his career average.
Warne’s average against India blew out to 62.55 when playing in Australia, highlighting Lyon’s challenge.
Even the traditionally spin-friendly SCG might not help, with the venue’s more recent pace-helpful nature prompting Australian captain and selector Michael Clarke to consider playing four quicks in the second Test.
One thing Lyon doesn’t have to fear is being replaced by another spinner, with no standout contenders and no Sheffield Shield matches for rivals to press claims before the end of the series.
And Lyon has Clarke’s firm support.
“He’s learning a lot and he probably didn’t have the success throughout (the first Test) that he would have liked,” Clarke said.
“But he did an important role for us and I’m sure come Sydney it will be no different.”
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