Secret of success is in adapting to conditions: Lyon

Spinner becomes fourth highest Australian Test wicket-takers with 314 hauls

Nathan Lyon's four-wicket haul against Pakistan in the crucial second Test match has made him the fourth highest Australian Test wicket-takers with 314 hauls. And Lyon said it was result of hard work both on and off the field, and importantly adapting to the facilities.
"I have become lot more consistent over the years. I just want to continue and win Test matches for Australia," Lyon said after his four for 78 runs.
Before the match, Lyon averaged 84.85 from three Tests in the UAE. He has taken some 80 wickets at an average of 27.01 playing elsewhere in Asia. He, however, said he has adapted well to the conditions in the UAE now in a much better way than he did four years back.
"When the wicket's like that I have to stick to my strengths, which is spinning up the back of the ball and bowling like I would at home. I definitely went back to bowling like I would in Australia. Personally, that's just about adapting and using the facilities and what you're dealt with to your advantage. I was pretty happy with the way the ball came out."
He said it always helps if spinners bowl in partnership and apply pressure. Part-time spinner Marnus Labuschagne with three wickets for 45 runs and Jon Holland ably supported Lyon.
"I'm a massive one, especially here in the subcontinent, to bowl in partnerships, build pressure and try and go under two runs an over. I've said it over and over in time and that's one of our things as a bowling group we try and focus on, especially after losing the toss and bowling first on a day one wicket. You have to bowl tight, bowl in partnerships and build pressure, the old-fashioned way. There're no secrets to it."
He said the pitch in Abu Dhabi is apt for Test cricket.
"It was a nice wicket to bowl early. There was turn in the wicket in the first session and am fortunate to have exploited that. I got a bit of purchase from the wicket, some spin and bounce. This is a very good Test match wicket. It is up to us to play some decent cricket," Lyon added.
Pakistan set 282 runs in first innings. And Australia trail by 262 runs with eight wickets in hand.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com