Melbourne, Dec 20 (ANI): Off spinner Nathan Lyon is central to Australia's chances of conquering India, according to former Australian greats of the art of slow bowling.
Ashley Mallett and Greg Matthews have backed Lyon to contain Indian batsmen, especially Sachin Tendulkar.
Mallett declared Lyon Australia'[s best off-spinner in 30 years, and thinks the veteran of just seven Tests is better placed than a good leg-spinner to trouble Tendulkar, who will play his 185th Test on Boxing Day in pursuit of a 100th international century.
"It's a huge test for Nathan Lyon, obviously, but I just think a good offie worries Tendulkar more than a good leggie. He seems to play the ball leaving him a little bit better than the ball nipping back at him," Mallett said.
"I like the way he bowls an attacking line to the right-handers - he gets outside off stump, but he gets the ball up and down, so he's getting the ball to dip. The more time he spends on his front leg, the more purchase he'll get on the ball," he said.
Matthews, who played 33 Tests from 1983-93, is optimistic about Lyon's prospects, describing his early career strike rate of a wicket every 48 balls as "just outrageous".
He implored him to have the courage to keep attacking against batsmen who will surely come after him, The Age reports.
"He's not a guy you keep plugging in, bowling 30 overs, two-for 70-80, and letting the quicks knock 'em over. This young punk is coming on and saying, 'Look, I'm good for it, let's go'," Matthews said. (ANI)
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