Adelaide Test: Lyon surprised by Ashwin- Jadeja warming the bench

Nathan Lyon was ‘more than just surprised’ after India decided to rest both Ravichandran Ashwin as well as Ravindra Jadeja, two of their highest wicket-takers in the side ahead of the Perth Test and played Washington Sundar as the lone spinner. 

The Australian spin maestro, however, was impressed by the quality of Indian bowling despite their two prime spinners not being a part of it. 

“That’s the quality of Indian bench strength. You got Ashwin with 530 odd wickets and Jadeja with more than 300 wickets on the bench. It is pretty remarkable to see the quality of bowlers sitting on the bench,” Lyon said in a press conference on December 4 (Wednesday) at Adelaide, after a training session. 

The 37-year-old was quick to counter the narrative that Jasprit Bumrah now dominates the Aussie minds and they are only busy making strategies to counter the Indian pacer. 

“Cricket is a team game. So we are not purely focussed on individuals like Bumrah and Virat. We have got nothing but respect for every Indian that walks out there on the field. But we will play our brand of cricket,” he said. 

And what about Nitish Kumar Reddy taking the attack to him at Perth? Was he surprised? “No, I wasn't surprised. He has played some quality spin bowling. With him attacking, there is always a chance for a wicket as well.”

Lyon has taken 67 wickets at Adelaide, the most by him at any ground, though he has played an equal number of Tests (13) at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as well. It was therefore not surprising that he called the Adelaide Oval the best Test venue in the world. 

“I think it's a great venue for spin. What Damien (curator of Adelaide Oval) does over here is, he produces a great wicket. It has got enough in it for both bowlers and batters. It is a challenging wicket. This is probably the best cricketing wicket in the world if I am being honest with you,” said the man with 532 scalps in 130 Tests. 

The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starts on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. India lead the series 1-0 having won the Perth Test by a historic margin of 295 runs.

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