Australia vs Sri Lanka 2019: I will back Mitchell Starc to the hell and back - Nathan Lyon

Gone are those days when Mitchell Starc used to be the terror for the batsmen across the world. He was one of the hot properties surviving in the world cricket and fans loved him to the core. But, unfortunately, it isn’t the case now. Though he is hitting the right line and lengths, out of nowhere, he found criticism in his own country. Meanwhile, his good friend, Nathan Lyon backs him to come good in the second Test.

Mitchell Starc picked up 15 wickets in his last 12 innings for Australia. His economy wasn’t that great, which pushed analysts to ask Starc to have a stint in the domestic circuit and find his rhythm back. However, the bowling department isn’t pleased with those calls.

Recently, Pat Cummins expressed his concern for the criticism against Starc. Even the skipper of India Virat Kohli also had words of praise on Mitchell Starc when India toured Australi. Meanwhile, the latest to join the bandwagon is Nathan Lyon.

I don’t understand where the criticism comes from – Nathan Lyon

Speaking of the same, the off-spinner cited that he is surprised to see criticism on Starc. Further, he went on to add saying that Starc has been the X-factor for the team and he would like to back the fast bowler to the core.

Nathan Lyon also highlighted the fact that Starc is the owner of 200 wickets in Test matches, which shows the ability of him. He believes that the experience of Starc will let him assess his bowling and make him a better bowler than the past.

“I don’t understand all the criticism, to be honest. Mitch is one of my best mates and I will back him to the hell and back,” off-spinner Lyon told reporters ahead of the second test starting at the Manuka Oval on Friday. He’s bowling fast, he’s moving it, he had the ball reversing in the nets. Starc is an X-factor. He’s got 200 test wickets. If anyone gets 200 test wickets, you must know what you are doing, you must be confident,” Nathan Lyon said.

I back Starc to play a massive role in the second Test:

”Will back Mitchell to come out and play a massive role for us in every game he comes out to play for Australia. I am looking forward to watching him this week and hopefully bowl really well with him in partnership.  That’s the biggest key, if we can bowl well in partnerships, doesn’t matter who it is, hopefully, we will take 20 wickets,” he added.

Well, as Nathan Lyon said, a bowler like Mitchell Starc can never be ignored from the playing XI. Hopefully, Starc would find his rhythm back in quick time to give a perfect reply to the criticism.