Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon paid tribute to the late great Shane Warne as the central figure behind his bowling spin ahead of Day 2 of the first Test of the Ashes series at Edgbaston. Speaking to former England captain Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports, Lyon spoke glowingly about Warne’s impact on his career. The second-highest wicket-taker in Test history, Warne tragically passed away following a heart attack earlier this year. During his illustrious career, the legendary leg-spinner also picked up 195 wickets against England, including 11 five-wicket-hauls.
Lyon, who is currently third among Australian bowlers in Test wickets, spoke about Warne’s influence on his career, You look at Warnie, what he has done for me, he is the reason why I am bowling spin. He is the reason why I started bowling spin so hopefully I can fly the flag for the spinners in his memory.
Lyon led the Aussies with an incisive spell of 4/149 on Day 1 of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. The off-spinner picked up wickets regularly despite the English batters scoring rapidly through the day. Eventually, the hosts declared their first innings at 393-8 after winning the toss and electing to bat first on a placid Edgbaston wicket.
Lyon picked up the vital wickets of Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow, and Moen Ali in his 29-over spell to keep a lid on England’s lineup. The 32-year-old picked up 88 wickets, the highest in the 2021-23 cycle, at an average of 26.12, including five 5-wicket hauls. Lyon also bagged a four-wicket haul in the second innings of the WTC final against India to help Australia win the WTC mace.
Despite Lyon’s impressive showing, England scored at a healthy run rate of almost five runs per over to finish just seven runs short of 400 and had a go at Australia for four overs before stumps on Day 1. Yorkshire-born Joe Root led the way with a majestic 30th Test century and finished unbeaten on 118, including seven 4s and four maximums. He was well supported by wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow, who scored a brisk run-a-ball 78 to help England recover after they were 176-5 at one point.
The ongoing Ashes series features three of the top eight leading wicket-takers in Test history, Nathan Lyon, Stuart Broad, and James Anderson. With Lyon’s inspiration from Warne, all cricket enthusiasts can enjoy the legacy of the greatest spinners in cricket history.
