Aussies can repeat Dubai feat against India: Lyon
6 wickets claimed by Australia’s Lyon against India
adelaide — Australia have drawn inspiration from a miraculous draw against Pakistan two months ago and will be going for a win on day five of the first Test against India.
Lyon has said that the day five wicket at the Adelaide Oval will still be good enough to bat on, and that the hosts can press on to chase the 323-run target set by India.
They finished day four at 104-4, with Shaun Marsh, Travis Head and Tim Paine the last three recognised batsmen remaining. Australia had pulled off a miraculous draw on the final day in Dubai and Lyon was confident that it could be repeated on Monday.
“I think the pitch has quickened up a little bit and is doing a lot less for the seamers. It’s definitely spinning and they’ve got a world-class spinner. So it’s going to be a great challenge for our batters out there with two left-handers, with R Ashwin spinning away,” said Lyon, who took 6-122 in the second Indian innings.
Usman Khawaja had scored a match-saving 141 against Pakistan on day five of the Test played in October. Skipper Tim Paine too made a significant contribution, an unbeaten 61, to save the game for his team.
“We just spoke about Dubai. We still believe we can win this, and that’s the best thing. We still believe we’re in this game, it’s just about coming out tomorrow, winning the first ball, first over, first hour, just breaking it down, very simple.
“We need not complicate things, enjoy ourselves, compete hard and fight our backsides off. We’ve had that belief before when our backs have been against the wall, but we’ve got a massive sniff here, I believe anyway, in this Test match,” he added.
Australia were a bit unlucky that Aaron Finch walked without using DRS, but Lyon said that there wasn’t enough to upturn that dismissal.
“I don’t think he was going to get away with it. I’ve spoken to the third umpire (Chris Gaffaney) who said it was out or there was inconclusive evidence to overturn the decision. Finchy’s fine and it’s been a great learning curve for Aaron,” he said.
Marsh and Head batted out 12.1 overs before stumps, putting on 20 runs, and Lyon posed great faith in them to win the game for Australia.
“In my eyes I think Shaun is a superstar. I have bowled to him a lot in Shield cricket and he’s whacked me all over the ground. I think he’s one of the best batters going around. He’ll hopefully have a good sleep and not overthink things. That’s one of the big things as cricketers, we can overthink things and that can be our downfall. Shaun’s a pretty laidback fella, especially away from cricket. I was speaking to him before, he’s got the belief he can come out and make a hero of him and Travis tomorrow (Monday).