Nathan Lyon – From groundsman to star at Adelaide Oval

Nathan Lyon finally unleashed a match-winning spell during the first Test against India at the Adelaide Oval. Lyon’s spell of seven for 152 in the fourth innings has helped him answer the critics who argued that he hasn’t won too many games for Australia. Nishad Pai Vaidya writes about Lyon’s magnificent revival after a recent struggle. Four years ago, Nathan Lyon, an aspiring First-Class cricketer, was a part of the ground staff at the Adelaide Oval. Having moved from Canberra with dreams of making it big, Lyon made it into the Australian team for their tour to Sri Lanka in 2011 after only four First-Class matches. It was quite a story as he made the journey from being a nondescript cricketer to a Baggy Green holder within months. Four years down the line, it all came together as he bowled Australia to victory against India at the very ground that was his field of dreams. Coming into his series against India, Lyon had a tough time in the year 2014. In his last five Tests, he had taken only 11 wickets at an average of 66.72. Though he has been Australia’s only stable spin bowling option since Shane Warne’s retirement back in 2006-07, there was considerable pressure on him. With the first Test initially scheduled in Brisbane, there was talk about the prospect of playing four seamers. Lyon perhaps had a lease of life going into this Test match and the pressure was clearly on him. Not only was he against reputed players of spin, but also his own poor track record was lurking in the backdrop. The main criticism against Lyon was that he hasn’t won Australia too many games. He had been more stable than spectacular — mainly a support to the pace battery that so often intimidates the opposition. Also, there was talk about Lyon unable to bring his art into effect in fourth innings — where spinners normally come into play on a wearing pitch. Before this game, he had taken only 24 wickets in 19 fourth innings at an average of 35.62. There was no five wicket haul to show. On Day Five against India, he brought in his craft despite the opposition putting pressure. Lyon should be lauded for his remarkable persistence in the face of the determined Murali Vijay-Virat Kohli partnership. He could have been luckier against them earlier, but kept going at them as they attacked. He used the rough very well and gave it air to entice the batsmen forward. A lot of the batsmen were foxed on length, whether to play forward or back. That moment of indecision cost them the game. With the spell of seven for 152, his record has started to look a lot better. In 20 fourth innings, he now has 31 wickets at an average of 32.48. It has taken him some time to bring his match winning ability into play. There have been flashes of that on a previous tour to India, where he trouble the batsmen on a tough wicket, but to do it in Adelaide is truly commendable. Having said that, India’s woes against spin continue. Earlier this year, it was Moeen Ali, whose part-time spin wreaked havoc in England. In fact, since 2012, India have struggled against spin, which is surprising considering the fact that they are brought up on surfaces that aid the kind. Lyon walks away with the honours in this game, embarrassing the tourists at the doorstep of victory. (Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)