WINDIES WILT IN AUSSIE LYON’S DEN
NATHAN Lyon became the captain’s best friend with a match-sealing performance in Perth on Sunday, but doubt still lingers over Pat Cummins’ place in the next Test.
Finishing the job on day five has not been a strong point for Australia’s bowlers over recent summers, but Lyon rounded up the West Indies with an impressive sixwicket haul which also served the crucial double purpose of saving the injured Cummins from having to bowl.
Australia eventually suffocated the brave Windies to end their innings for 333 and secure a resounding 165run win with one Test to play.
Cummins now has extra time to walk the Test match tightrope, but the prospect of Steve Smith taking over as captain and Scott Boland coming into the attack for Adelaide looms large.
“I think they will rest one of the bowlers in Adelaide. I’d be surprised if Pat Cummins plays,” said former Australian Test bowler and Fox Cricket expert Brendon Julian.
“A thigh injury that’s ginger right now. I’m not sure that’s going to recover and allow you to play a five-day Test match.
“Scott Boland is a worthy replacement.”
The West Indies resumed with Kraigg Brathwaite 101 not out and with Australia still needing seven wickets to win the Test, but Lyon struck an early double blow to remove Kyle Meyers and Brathwaite before the arrival of the second new ball.
It saved Australia from having to make a potentially agonising call on bringing Cummins into the attack if there was still a desperate hunt for wickets.
Windies pair Alzarri Joseph (43) and Roston Chase (55) put on a partnership that started to frustrate Australia, before part-timer Travis Head broke through with his second wicket of the innings and Lyon finished off the tail to finish with 6-128.
Australia’s bowlers have just a three-day turnaround to get themselves right for the second Test in Adelaide which starts on Thursday.