Nathan Lyon believes he found a weakness in Kane Williamson’s game after getting the key New Zealand batter caught at leg slip on day three of the first Test in Wellington.
“I’ve noticed something in Kane’s batting against my bowling, so I tried to exploit that,” he said after Australia claimed three wickets to leave the hosts on 113-3 at stumps.
As to what it was specifically, Lyon didn’t want to go into any details.
Instead, he went on to add that his “biggest weapon” is his bounce all around the world”.
“And it’s no secret,” as Lyon said.
But will New Zealand have an answer to Lyon, with the spin veteran looming as Australia’s greatest threat in preventing its trans-Tasman rivals from scoring the remaining 258 runs they need?
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Aussies seven wickets away from victory | 04:13
“If we do our job and put pressure on the guys for long periods of time, I’m confident that the bowlers in that change room will create more than seven chances,” Lyon said.
Lyon specifically said he went into the game expecting there to be “something” for him to work with and has been proven correct, with the Basin Reserve pitch taking turn and bounce.
“I was pretty confident it was going to spin before the game started,” Lyon said.
“It just felt a lot drier than what it was eight years ago from memory. I think there’ll definitely be something there for me.”
Lyon took 2-27, with the assistance of a brilliant catch from Steve Smith, having impressed with the bat in hand earlier on the way to 41 runs — Australia’s top score in the second innings.
That reality exposed the vulnerability of Australia’s top order at the moment, although Lyon was quick to leap to the defence of his teammates after they managed just 123 runs all up.
“I’ll never criticise our batters the way they go about it because they’ve been exceptional for a number of years now,” he said.
“But then you’ve got to give credit to the bowlers and this is my big thing. Bowlers are actually there to bowl good balls. And it’s not always the batters’ fault getting out and bowlers are allowed to come up with plans and execute and take wickets.
“No doubt there will be some frustration in there.”
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Frustration will only continue to build the longer Rachin Ravindra is at the crease, having managed 56 not out to emerge as a key figure for New Zealand alongside Daryl Mitchell (12*) ahead of a tense day four.
“Rachin seems like a really good player,” Lyon said.
“This is the first time I’ve bowled to him — I watched a lot of him during the World Cup and he’s going to be a superstar. Credit where it’s due, he’s played very well here.
“But I know if we can put pressure on them and challenge their defence for long periods of time, hopefully we can crack them.”
While it may not be a secret, Lyon said he will keep going with what works for him as Australia looks to wrap up the opening Test on Sunday.
“I’ll continue to try and put some over spin on the ball and try and get the bounce and try and hit the stickers of the bat and challenge the guys’ defence on the crease,” Lyon said.
“I’ve got a fair understanding of what their plan is going to be. So it’s a good opportunity for me tonight to reset some goals and reset some plans and we’ll go from there.”
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