Australian spinner Nathan Lyon believes Mitchell Marsh will bowl in the upcoming pink-ball Test against India in Adelaide. Marsh's fitness has been a concern after he experienced discomfort while bowling in the Perth Test. While Beau Webster has been included as a potential replacement, Lyon expressed confidence in Marsh's ability to contribute both with the bat and the ball. He suggested that Marsh will be bowling in the Adelaide Test and dismissed any concerns about his fitness.
Will Mitchell Marsh be seen bowling in Adelaide Test? Nathan Lyon reveals
"I honestly think we'll see Mitch Marsh bowl. I'm not concerned about Bison's fitness if I'm being honest. He's been brilliant for us since he's come back in. He came back in that game in Leeds during the Ashes and has really dominated, so got full confidence in Bison. Happy to bowl his overs," Lyon said in the pre-match press conference on December 4.
Nathan Lyon has been a pivotal figure in Australia's bowling attack, often sharing the workload with all-rounders like Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green. He has also led the spin department in situations where the team has opted for a four-pronged pace attack, with contributions from part-time bowlers.
I'm very clear on my role within the team: Nathan Lyon
Even without a dedicated all-rounder, Lyon has consistently stepped up to shoulder extra responsibility, especially when operating as the sole spinner. He has now expressed his willingness to bowl additional overs if required, highlighting his commitment to the team's success.
"I'm very clear on my role within the team. Nothing really changes with me...if I can get the opportunity to bowl more overs, I'll jump at it," he added.
The 37-year-old ace spinner also reflected on Australia's embarrassing defeat against India in Perth Test. He openly accepted that Australia didn't play their best cricket in the series opener.
"We've had a chance to reflect and we understand that we didn't play our best period in Perth and India, totally our player played us. But with all the other stuff, it's been quite humorous, in a way, looking at how much has been said and the reactions of so many different people after one loss, the beauty of a five test match test series, is we get the opportunity to turn that around," Lyon further stated.
"That's the challenge of what we face right now, obviously, coming up against a world class India side that played exceptional game of cricket in Perth, but that's been nine days ago now or so," he concluded.
If we look at Lyon's track record in the Adelaide Oval, it will certainly pose a threat for India batters in the upcoming match. He has picked 63 wickets in a total of 13 matches at a robust bowling average of 25.26 at the venue. He also has an experience of playing seven day-night Tests which will play an crucial role when Australia will take on India in Adelaide from December 6.
