Lyon applauds Henriques
All-rounder deserves Test recall, says spinner
CRICKET: Nathan Lyon has backed Moises Henriques to earn a Test recall in Bangladesh this year, describing his Sydney Sixers skipper as one of Australia’s best players of spin and among the best captains he’s played under.
Henriques’ composure was a hallmark of the Sixers’ triumphant BBL campaign, with Lyon and several teammates praising the manner in which he kept an even keel no matter the situation.
Henriques, having celebrated at the SCG on Saturday night, will return to the venue on Friday for the resumption of NSW’s Sheffield Shield season.
The 33-year-old will then skipper a star-studded Australia A in next week’s four-day MCG clash with England A.
James Pattinson, Usman
Khawaja, Marcus Harris, Will Pucovski, Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Swepson will also represent Australia A as the battle to break into Australia’s Test squad starts to heat up.
National coach Justin Langer has already made it publicly clear that Henriques is in the mix to be recalled for June’s Test tour of Bangladesh, provided the all-rounder shows he’s still got it with the ball in coming months. Lyon would love to see Henriques, whose four Tests have all come on the subcontinent, recalled by national selectors.
“He’s probably up there with the best captains I’ve ever played under,” Lyon said.
“He’s very, very calm. He gives an incredible amount of backing to all his players.
“I’m a massive fan of Moises, as a cricketer and captain ... he’s probably one of the best players of spin going around the country. Being captain of Australia A will provide a good opportunity to show his leadership and cricket skills. Fingers crossed he goes well in that game, we finish the season with a Shield win and he puts his hand up.”