Thaindian News

Adelaide, Jan 21 (IANS) Australia’s off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who is likely to play in the Adelaide Test against India, says bowling to the best batsmen against spin has taught him a lot.

Lyon was dropped for the Perth Test which Australia won in under three days to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The offie took two wickets in the first two Tests and is keen to make a mark if he gets selected to play in the match starting Tuesday.

“It’s just been a great challenge for myself, being a young spinner and bowling against the best batters against spin. Their hands are unbelievable and they are really confident against spin, so it is a great challenge for myself and I am loving every moment of it,” Lyon told reporters.

Lyon knows that he has had a minimal impact on the series so far, partly because of the stupendous work done by the Australian fast bowlers against India’s high-profile batting line-up.

“I still have clear plans with Pup (Michael Clarke) and always I try to be an attacking spin bowler and try to take wickets, but in this series our quicks have been doing the damage, so I have not had the opportunity really to bowl long spells. Hopefully if I get the nod out here I will be able to bowl a few long spells.”

The 24-year-old spinner made instant impact in his debut Test match, taking five wickets against Sri Lanka at Galle. He also made significant contributions in the away series in South Africa and at home against New Zealand.

He hopes to get get back amongst the wickets on a spinner friendly pitch at his home ground here.