Bittersweet return for dominant Lyon
NATHAN Lyon returns to his spiritual cricket home at the peak of his powers with bittersweet memories of a career defining performance against India in the Phillip Hughes Test.
Lyon is in sensational form with 20 Sheffield Shield wickets since returning as the second highest wicket-taker in the Test series Pakistan won 1-0 in the United Arab Emirates during October.
“I am feeling very confident the way the ball is coming out, doing a lot work and will do the same leading into this Test,” Lyon said. “I am feeling good but can’t be complacent coming up against a world-class team full of super stars.
“I love playing cricket here, excited about the opportunities that lay ahead. This is where my first-class career started a few years ago, a great place to play cricket.”
Lyon has taken 203 of his 318 wickets since answering criticism of his fourth innings potency by bowling Australia to victory against India on the final day in Adelaide in 2014.
“Four years ago it was a very special Test for a lot bigger reasons than cricket but to win the game … the way the Australian side did, it was pretty special to be a part of that,” said Lyon. “It is one of those things, time heals and stuff but it is one of things you never really get over especially when you lose a good mate.”
Lyon backed former South Australian teammate Travis Head to excel in his maiden home Test and beyond as Australia rebuilds from the loss of banned duo Steve Smith and David Warner.
Australia won’t get swept up in any preoccupation with Kohli despite his three ton record in two Adelaide Tests.
“He walks out, we respect him but we won’t go lightly on him,” Lyon said of Kohli.