‘Working on variations to keep up with game’

While finger spinners are the preferred option for most top international teams in Test cricket, wrist spinners are the first choice picks in limited overs battle. Australia’s Nathan Lyon, a certainty in whites but battling for a place in coloured clothing, said he loves that challenge and is looking at reinventing his game.

“Obviously the wrist-spinners are a valuable part to any side and I’m working on a couple of different variations to keep up with the game,” said Lyon on Thursday. “The game is moving so fast and (it’s) great opportunity for everyone to learn. But it’s pretty important to have the balance of a couple of good spinners in your side. You look at India, Kuldeep’s (Yadav) skills are unbelievable and (Ravindra) Jadeja has been quite impressive as well. I think it’s important for any international side to have a couple of decent spinners going into the World Cup.”

Australians stand just one defeat away from another series defeat but Lyon believes the visitors can stage a turnaround. “It was disappointing to lose and not get across the line against India in their home conditions. They have some superstars. They have a legend like MS Dhoni still running around and controlling the back end of the innings through the tempo. Then there is Virat Kohli, who in my eyes is one of the greatest players in play in my era.