Lyon can put pressure on Pakistan, warns Langer
dubai — Australian coach Justin Langer believes preparing rank turners could backfire on Pakistan in the two Test series as Nathan Lyon has what it takes to trouble the inexperienced Pakistan batsmen.
Lyon failed miserably with the ball in their last Test series against Pakistan in the UAE, but the offspinner is a much better bowler now and even proved his class on Indian pitches last year.
And here in Dubai, he showed his form by taking eight first innings wickets against Pakistan A in the four-day game.
“Of course, there are two very different teams. Pakistan and the Australian team they look very different at the moment,” Langer said on Tuesday, referring to the teams that locked horns here in 2014.
“But now Nathan Lyon, well, he is a world-class bowler. That’s the positive for me. For us if there is
spin on the wicket, we have got a couple of high-class spinners ourselves to put pressure on Pakistani batters so I am really positive from that point of view.
“The last time we played here, Pakistan had two very senior batsmen (Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq) and they played brilliantly against us. This time they have got a much younger side. What happened two years ago is very different,” the former Australian opener added.
Now to prepare their batsmen for Pakistan’s star spinner Yasir Shah, Australia even brought two spinners from India. “We know we need to get better when it comes to playing spin,” Langer said.
“So to get these Indian spinners come and play with us, I love that. Hopefully we will get some benefit out of it.”
Langer also heaped praise on left-arm spinner Jon Holland who got five wickets in the second innings against Pakistan A. “He bowled really well. He also got nine wickets for Australian A against India A recently. If he plays in the Test series here, he certainly deserves that opportunity,” he said.
Langer then said Aaron Finch, who scored a half-century in the four-day match, is all set to earn his first Test cap.
“I can’t wait to see him play Test cricket. He has been brilliant in white-ball cricket in the last couple of years. He is one of the leaders in our group,” Langer said.
Overall, the Australian coach was pleased with the way the team performed in their only practice match before the Test series.
“It’s been fantastic. We have adapted to the heat. I think (Matt) Renshaw’s injury has put a spanner in the works. But we have another few days to have to good chat about the playing XI. Hopefully the team we pick for the first Test will be as strong as we can pick.”