News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 8 years ago
Rediff.com  » Cricket » Bring on the pink ball Test: Lyon

Bring on the pink ball Test: Lyon

November 20, 2015 11:53 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

‘(It's) perfect, batters can't see the seam’

Nathan Lyon

IMAGE: Nathan Lyon gestures to a team mate as players warm up during an Australian nets session. Photograph: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has some reservations about meddling with the traditions of the longest form of cricket but cannot wait to get a pink ball in his hands in the world's first day-night Test against New Zealand next week.

While some Australian players have expressed concerns about the visibility and durability of the pink ball, Lyon said it made absolutely no difference to the way he went about his bowling - and might even give him an edge.

"(It's) perfect, batters can't see the seam," the off-spinner, who was celebrating his 28th birthday, told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.

"It's no different to me playing red ball, pink ball or white ball. I'm not going to change my plan. It's just about getting out there and executing and being consistent."

Lyon said he would reserve judgement on whether the day-night schedule was the future for Test cricket until after the match, which starts next Friday.

Nathan Lyon

IMAGE: Australia's Nathan Lyon claps. Photograph: Paul Kane/Getty Images

He did, however, think it might help bring more people through the gates after what he described as ‘disappointing’ crowds for the Brisbane and Perth Tests.

"I'm a big one not to mess around with Test cricket but it's going ahead. It's exciting times and I think it's already been sold out for day one and day two," he said.

"So to play in front of a packed crowd at Adelaide is pretty special and I'm definitely looking forward to playing the pink-ball Test."

Lyon took career-best match figures of 12 for 286 to bowl Australia to victory over India at the Adelaide Oval last year and thinks a double dose of spin could be the way to see off the Black Caps.

Left arm spinner Steve O'Keefe was brought into the squad on Wednesday to give Australia the option of a twin-spin attack for the final match in the three-Test series, which the hosts lead 1-0.

"Spin to win, isn't it," Lyon said. "It's good to see Steve O'Keefe get the nod there and it's up to the captain and selectors to see what we go for.

"I'm pretty confident that if there are two spinners in the side then we can get the job done for Australia."

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024