'Rachin Ravindra is going to be a superstar' - Nathan Lyon makes huge prediction

Legendary Aussie off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who is currently on duty for the national team in the ongoing 2-match Test series in New Zealand, heaped praise on Kiwi batter Rachin Ravindra. Lyon stated that Ravindra is in line to become the next superstar of world cricket. The right-arm finger spinner made this admission after seeing the left-hand batter’s performances in the Cricket World Cup 2023.

Nathan Lyon was also intrigued to make these comments after he bowled to Rachin Ravindra in the 1st Test, which is underway at the iconic Basin Reserve Park in Wellington. The Kiwis have been asked to chase down 369 runs for the win with day 4 and day 5 still to be played.

New Zealand require 258 runs for the win while Australia need 7 more wickets on day 4

It was Kane Williamson who had won the toss and asked Australia to bat first. The Aussies in turn came out all guns blazing early on as Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja got the visitors off to a flyer before Smith departed for 31. Australia would then lose the entire top order pretty quickly and it was Cameron Green who eventually came to the rescue.

He smashed an unbeaten 174 runs and helped Australia post 386. New Zealand’s response was pretty disappointing as they were folded for 179 as Nathan Lyon starred with 4 wickets. 2 key batters of the Kiwi batting order – Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra departed for a 2-ball and 3-ball duck respectively. Whereas Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell, and Matt Henry played out notable knocks of 71, 33, and 42 respectively.

Then Australia had a contrasting 2nd innings compared to their first. Smith, Labuschagne, Marsh, and Carey remained flop while Lyon, Green, Head, Khawaja, and Starc’s efforts pulled Australia to 164. The visitors were inflicted towards an all-out very early only because of the efforts of Glenn Phillips who registered figures of 5/45 in 16 overs.

The Kiwis have initiated their response and had quite a mixed start to their chase. The top order has already been removed for a combined score of 32 runs with Nathan Lyon removing Tom Lathan and Williamson and Head getting the wicket of Will Young.

Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will continue New Zealand’s chase from 111 runs and also stretch their 52-run partnership for the 4th wicket. Ravindra will be aiming to convert his half-century into his 2nd Test hundred when the game resumes tomorrow.

Nathan Lyon feels Ravindra is a very good batsman

While speaking to the media at the end of day 3, Nathan Lyon stated that Rachin Ravindra looks like a very good player.

“Rachin seems like a really good player. This is the first time I’ve bowled to him. I watched a lot of him during the World Cup and he’s going to be a superstar. But I know if we can put pressure on them and challenge their defense for long periods of time, hopefully we can crack them,” Nathan Lyon told reporters at the Basin Reserve stadium.