Australia’s Nathan Lyon was instrumental in their nine-wicket victory over India in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Indore. Lyon took 11 wickets in the match, leading Australia to not only a comeback win but also a place in the World Test Championship final. After the match, where Lyon was named Player of the Match, India captain Rohit Sharma spoke highly of the Australian bowler, stating that while he hadn’t faced legendary spinners like Murali or Shane Warne, for him, Lyon is impressive.
Lyon picked three wickets in first innings as Australia folded India for just 109 runs on Day 1. In the second innings, he picked up a record eight-wicket haul as the tourists set themselves a target of just 76 runs. His tally of 11 wickets made his the highest wicket-taker in the history of Border-Gavaskar trophy as he went part India legend Anil Kumble.
Rohit, who was dismissed for 12 runs by Lyon in the second innings of the Indore Test, rated the Aussie off-spinner as the best overseas bowler to have ever toured India. Statistically speaking, Lyon’s tally of 53 wickets against India in India is presently the best ever by an Aussie bowler and second-best by a visiting bowler since DL Underwood (54) of England.
“He should be at the top in my opinion. Obviously I haven’t played guys like Murali or Shane Warne. But among the current crop, he would probably be the No.1 overseas bowler to come and play in India,” Rohit said in the post-match presser.
The India opener then explained what makes Lyon so threatening as a spinner.
Rohit Sharma praised Nathan Lyon’s consistency in line and length, stating that the Australian bowler’s accuracy makes it difficult for the opposition to score runs. According to Rohit, Lyon’s experience and fearlessness in getting hit also give the captain confidence, knowing that he has a reliable bowler who can pitch it in the right areas and let the pitch do the rest. Sharma also noted that this was Lyon’s third tour to India and that he has been a very effective bowler for Australia in the subcontinent.
