Published: Aug 11, 2015, 03:09 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 11, 2015, 03:09 PM (IST)
Nathan Lyon has revealed that the Australian players were left shocked when Michael Clarke announced to them on the third morning of the fourth Ashes 2015 Test that he will be retiring from international cricket after the end of the series. Clarke, who has been Australia’s captain since 2011, will be leading them for the one last time at The Oval in the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2015. Australia have already lost the series 3-1, after they suffered an embarrassing defeat by an innings and 78 runs at Trent Bridge.
Lyon wrote in his column in the Sydney Morning Herald, “The last thing we expected on the third morning at Trent Bridge was Michael Clarke’s retirement. It had obviously been a difficult couple of days so when he called us together before play and to tell us that the next Test at the Oval would be his last, it was a shock. With the Ashes lost and Michael’s announcement it has been a disappointing time.” ALSO READ: Ian Healy, have you forgotten your duty as former Australian cricketer?
The Australian spinner praised England for the quality of cricket they played. England were able to bowl Australia out for an embarrassing total of 60 with Stuart Broad returning with the figures of 9.3-5-15-8. Australia’s hapless show in the first innings shunned all doors of comeback and they surrendered the Ashes to England.
Lyon wrote, “England played very well to their local conditions and credit to them. Stuart Broad was very good at putting pressure on our batsmen at Trent Bridge. The England bowlers tested us and won. We knew it was going to be a tough first session at Trent Bridge. We would have also bowled if we won the toss. You have to expect batting to be a challenge on the first morning of any Test and we just did not adapt to the conditions. I am hoping it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me batting before lunch on the opening day of a Test.”
The right-arm spinner hopes for a much improved performance from Australia in the final Test, which will be the last appearance for their three cricketers, Clarke, Chris Rogers and Brad Haddin. ALSO READ: Ashes 2015: Australia should pick Brad Haddin for Oval Test to give him proper send-off
“While we can’t win the Ashes back, we look forward to a vastly improved performance and hopefully winning at the Oval to give Michael the opportunity of retiring on a winning note. Michael has been a great servant of Australian cricket for such a long time. His great standing in the game deserves a successful and memorable last Test,” Lyon wrote.
