Nathan Lyon Hits Back At Shane Warne After Latter Says Off-Spinner Should Make Way For Mitchell Swepson For Sydney Test

Australia spin spearhead Nathan Lyon has slammed the legendary Shane Warne after the latter suggested that the off-spinner should be dropped in order to make room for Mitchell Swepson for the upcoming third Test against New Zealand. Australia wrapped up the three-match series on Sunday by beating New Zealand by 247 runs in the second Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Thus the result of the Sydney Test will have no impact on the outcome of the series although a win will further bolster Australia’s position in the ICC World Test Championship. Australia have added Swepson for the Sydney Test but Nathan Lyon has made it clear that he is in no mood to take a rest and let the leg-spinner play the upcoming game.

Shane Warne explained Nathan Lyon could take a game off which would allow for Swepson to make his Test debut. The former Australia spinner also said that the hosts could try out dropping a batsman too to allow Australia to play five bowlers.

Nathan Lyon hits back:

Shane Warne’s idea, meanwhile, has not impressed Nathan Lyon at all as the latter slammed his illustrious predecessor. Nathan Lyon pointed out that Warne himself had always been loath to give up his spot to any other spin bowlers, notably Stuart MacGill, who performed really well in the absence of Warne.

“Did Warney ever want a rest and give Stuart MacGill a go? I won’t be resting,” Nathan Lyon said. “There’s always talk about two spinners, but Mitch has been bowling brilliantly for Queensland. It’s great we’re able to have a very versatile squad for whatever conditions we’re faced with; we can come up with a decent side.”

Mitchell Swepson has been in good form this season, having picked up 12 wickets at 26.58 in six Sheffield Shield matches. Nathan Lyon further said that Swepson’s skills could be handy on a spinning pitch that’s expected in Sydney.

“He’s a great fella to start off with and he gives it a rip which is what I really love to see about all spinners,” Lyon said. “If we can give it a rip and try and spin the ball, that’s our main focus. I’m a big fan of Mitch, it’s great to see him around the squad. If he gets his chance, fingers crossed we can have a great combination together.

“I don’t think it affects my role at all. It’s exciting we potentially have the opportunity to play two spinners but in saying that I haven’t been to the SCG for two months so don’t know what the conditions will be like. The BBL wickets they look like they have been fantastic,” he added.

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