Bouncers? ‘Embrace it’
Lyon unfazed by Kiwi Bodyline-like barrage in the ongoing series
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon said there was nothing untoward in the bumper barrage New Zealand served up in the first Test in Perth, and he expects more of the same.
After Australia won the first of the three-Test series by 296 runs, captain Tim Paine said the Black Caps' liberal use of short-pitched bowling had a Bodyline feel to it.
Bustling Kiwi seamer Neil Wagner, who has a reputation for using the short ball to good effect, led the way and picked up a number of wickets through catches on a packed legside field, as well as having a mini-battle with Aussie batsman Matthew Wade.
Wade let the short balls hit him on several occasions as the New Zealand tactic worked and Australia lost seven wickets for 58 runs in the second innings. Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson played down the significance of the approach, saying it was simply tailored to suit the Perth pitch conditions and wouldn't necessarily be repeated elsewhere.
Although he's the one man in the Australian bowling attack who doesn't have the option to fight fire with fire, Lyon said the likely prospect of more hostile bowling in the next two Tests didn't bother him.
"I think you have to embrace it, it's a challenge," he said. We were playing against the number two team in the world and they've had success playing the brand of cricket they're playing at the moment. The Bodyline series I'm not sure, but short bowling is going to be a tactic. I'm going to cop it so it's unfortunate I can't dish it out so that's why I've got to get the big boys to look after me," Lyon said.