Nathan Lyon issues 'Mitchell Marsh will bowl' warning to India despite all-rounder's injury concerns

The veteran Australia National Cricket Team spinner Nathan Lyon has issued a huge 'Mitchell Marsh will bowl' warning to the India National Cricket Team ahead of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

The second Test of the five-match series between India and Australia is set to be played in Adelaide and Nathan Lyon has declared the all-rounder Mitchell Marsh fully fit for the clash.

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Australia face injury concerns

The star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh bowled 5 overs in the first innings of the Perth Test and 12 overs in the second innings. He played the role of fourth seamer very well and supported the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.

However, Australia's head coach, Andrew McDonald, revealed that the all-rounder pulled up sore after the first Test and faced some fitness concerns.

Due to this uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster was added to the squad as a back-up for Marsh. Also, some recent reports in Australian media claimed that Marsh is facing some back issues.

It was reported by the media that Mitchell Marsh is not completely fit and even if he plays the pink-ball Test match against India, he will not be able to do the bowling duties.

Talking further about injury concerns in the Australian camp, the Aussies have lost Josh Hazlewood for the second Test as he has been ruled out with a side strain. Scott Boland is likely to replace the star pacer in the team.

I'm not concerned about Bison's (Marsh's) fitness - Nathan Lyon

Speaking to the media ahead of the second Test, Nathan Lyon provided an update on Marsh. He said that the all-rounder is bowling ready and was likely to bowl during Australia's main training session under lights.

He also said that he has full confidence in Marsh to deliver both with bat and ball for the team in the upcoming matches.

"I honestly think we'll see Mitch Marsh bowl," Nathan Lyon told reporters ahead on Wednesday.

"I'm not concerned about Bison's (Marsh's) fitness if I'm being honest. He's been brilliant for us in the games (since) he's come back in ... I've got full confidence in Bison"

If I get the opportunity to bowl more overs I'll jump at it - Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon has been the sole spinner of the Australian Test team for most of his career, and this has led to him taking additional bowling responsibility from time to time. And the veteran spinner is again ready to bowl extra overs if needed. He said:

"I'm very clear on my role within the team so nothing changes with me. If I get the opportunity to bowl more overs I'll jump at it."

Nathan Lyon also admitted that they played poor cricket in the Perth Test and said that they were desperate to stage a comeback and shut down the critics.

"We understand that we didn't play our best cricket in Perth and India totally outplayed us. But with all the other stuff, it's been quite humorous in a way looking at how much has been said and the reactions of so many different people after one loss," Nathan Lyon said.

"The beauty of a five-match Test series…is you get the opportunity to turn that around and that's the challenge of what we face right now."