Off-spinner Nathan Lyon claimed 10 wickets in the New Year Test at Sydney as Australia whitewashed a hapless New Zealand 3-0. Lyon picked up 5 for 68 in Kiwis’ first innings and 5 for 50 in the second as Australia won by 279 runs. In a team full of match-winners with extravagant talent, 32-year-old Lyon has constantly held his own with such stupendous efforts.
While the likes of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, David Warner and Steve Smith walk away with plenty of plaudits, Lyon rarely gets the praise he deserves. Here’s a look at five outstanding performances of Lyon that truly prove he is the unsung hero of Australian cricket.
1. 5 FOR 134 AND 7 FOR 152 VS INDIA - ADELAIDE (DECEMBER 2014) India might well have won the Adelaide Test of 2014 had Lyon not come up with a brilliant match-winning spell. Chasing 364, India were 242 for 2. Lyon then trapped Murali Vijay lbw for 99, and India collapsed in stunning fashion. Lyon went on to dismiss Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha, and also ended the incredible vigil of Virat Kohli (141). India were all out for 315 as Australia won by 48 runs. Lyon also claimed five crucial wickets in the first innings as Australia restricted India to 444 in response to their 517 for 7.
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