Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has signalled his readiness to bolster the team's spin attack during the ongoing Cricket World Cup in India if needed.
The Australian side is grappling with challenges in the spin department, particularly with Ashton Agar's absence from the World Cup due to a calf injury sustained in the T20Is against South Africa. With Adam Zampa as the primary spinner and Glenn Maxwell as an all-rounder option, Australia might feel the pinch, especially on India's spin-friendly pitches.
Lyon, addressing the situation, told ESPNCricinfo, "I sent Andrew McDonald a text message the other day when I saw Ashton Agar was ruled out. I said, 'Just to let you know, I'm back bowling 10 overs, I'm right to go, 100 per cent'. If that happened I'd do anything to go over and play the World Cup."
He further added, "I'd be more than comfortable going in there and doing it if I had to. But, in saying that there has to be a lot of things go wrong, so let's hope for Australia's sake that doesn't happen."
Lyon is on track to make a comeback to competitive cricket after a calf injury prematurely ended his Ashes tour in England. He's eyeing participation in upcoming Marsh Cup and Sheffield Shield matches and is slated to play in the opening Test against Pakistan in Perth on December 14.
Despite his limited ODI appearances, with 29 wickets from as many matches, Lyon hasn't been part of the Australian ODI team since the 2019 World Cup.
However, he expressed confidence in Maxwell's capabilities, especially after captain Pat Cummins highlighted Maxwell's role as a primary spinner. Lyon commented, "Glenn Phillips bowled pretty well the other night against England, and I feel like Maxi's (Maxwell) skill set is up there, and he's extremely confident. Hundred per cent I'm backing his skill-set to do the job there."
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