Nathan Lyon Open to Vice-captaincy Post in Australia's Test Fold

Star Australian off-spinner, Nathan Lyon on Thursday (June 7) admitted that he won’t turn down the chance to be Tim Paine’s vice-captain, which remains empty in the aftermath of the ball tampering scandal at Cape Town earlier this year.

Moreover, he also said all of Australia’s experienced players need to “step up” and fill the leadership vacuum left by Steven Smith and David Warner.

Meanwhile, Australia is yet to unveil Paine’s deputy following the ball-tampering saga which took world cricket by storm.

Lyon, however, the country’s most experienced Test player, is among the lead contenders to fill the role. Cricket Australia (CA) overlooked him when Warner got the job in 2015.

Fast bowler Pat Cummins ruled himself out citing better options than him while Adam Gilchrist endorsed Mitchell Marsh.

I won’t say no: Lyon

The prominent spinner Lyon pointed out that he will not shy away from the job if he gets it. The 30-year-old has played 78 Tests. Owing to such experience behind his back and he is eventually a highly-respected member of the playing group.

“If they offered it to me, I wouldn’t say no. But it’s not something I’m striving for. There will be a vice-captain appointed, but I think there’ll be a good leadership group in that Test squad,” Lyon told cricket.com.au.

Nathan Lyon says fellow bowlers Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are among those who need to take on extra responsibility, regardless of who gets the job.

“Look at the bowlers, we’ve had some success together and gone through some hard times recently and that’s only going to put us in good stead moving forward. Those guys and throw in Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh and Uzzie (Khawaja), the more senior players, we’re going to have to play a big role as a group to be Tim’s vice-captains,” he concluded.

Also read: KL Rahul posts a heartwarming message for Mayank Agarwal