Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has said that Nathan Lyon can be a massive threat for India throughout the test series. Lyon took the key wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara for 43 in India’s first innings. He bowled 21 overs and gave away 68 runs. He held up one end brilliantly as he gave much-relief to the Australian pacers who took breaks in between.
Also, it was in his over that Virat Kohli was run out to give Australia an upper hand in the game. Ricky Ponting, who captained Lyon in quite a few matches has said that he can be a massive threat for India in the remaining Adelaide test and the other three tests as well.
Ricky Ponting Hails Nathan Lyon
“The right-handers now that come out to bat against him – he gets so much over-spin on the ball when you’ve got fielders around the bat – they must feel like they’re going to get out every ball. He builds pressure, he bowls very few bad balls so he’ll be a massive threat for them.”
Also Read: Virat Kohli Was A ‘Massive Wicket’ On Day 1 – Nathan Lyon
Ricky Ponting next spoke on Lyon being the most successful spinner against Indian skipper Virat Kohli. He will be an important campaigner in the second innings considering he has trouble Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara a lot previously.
“He’s had as much success as any spinner, I think, against India over the years. He’s got Virat Kohli out (in Tests) more than anybody in the history of the game, he looked like he troubled Pujara a lot today,” Ponting told cricket.com.au.
Meanwhile, Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara also hailed Lyon’s development over the last five years. Lyon especially has been brilliant against India in tests. He now has 86 wickets against India in the format. Overall, Nathan has 390 wickets from 96 games.
“Lyon has improved as a bowler in the last four-five years. He likes to bowl and he wants to bowl as many overs as possible. His line length is very good and has improved a lot, I feel”, Pujara said at the virtual press conference after the day’s play.
Also Read: Cricket Australia Look For Other Options After Sudden COVID-19 Outbreak In Sydney
