Nathan Lyon wouldn’t make England’s third string line-up according to the British press, but the Australian spinner is showing signs he’s finally warming towards a breakthrough series.
He might present a laconic country boy image, but deep down Lyon is deeply driven by personal pride.
It’s just as well, because Lyon will face his sternest test in England.
The media have already written off his talents, arguing not just Graeme Swann, but understudies Monty Panesar and James Tredwell as more talented.
The 25-year-old, who must improve on his Test bowling average of 33, has also had to deal with hype surrounding Fawad Ahmed’s rising star and now Ashton Agar’s current presence around the squad.
However, Lyon performed strongly for Australia A and took four wickets, including three in the second innings, in an encouraging showing for the Australians against Somerset in Taunton.
He had control and shape to his deliveries, with lapses in consistency his biggest challenge and something new coach Darren Lehmann has publicly stated he wants to iron out.
Lyon’s former South Australian teammate Dan Christian describes the spinner as a self-motivated cricketer, hard on himself and willing to put hours of extra time into honing his skills.
England will back their spin abilities over Australia and where possible are expected to push for conditions which suit those strengths.
Christian, who will play for Victoria this coming season and Lyon for NSW, says the quiet, unassuming offspinner from Young could end up holding the key for Australia.
“He’s going to be a huge one for Australia,” Christian told AAP from Bristol where he’s playing for Gloucestershire.
“He’s done a great job for Michael Clarke the last couple of years so he’s one that they’re going to be relying on a little bit.
“He takes a lot of pride in his performance.
“Nathan has always been one to look at his own performance. He does a lot of training by himself and he’s always trying to get that perfect shape out of the hand.”
Lyon struggled in the first Test against India in Chennai back in February, going for 215 runs in the first innings.
He was subsequently dropped for the second Test, despite all the effort invested in him.
In the end, Lyon was back for the third match and finished the tour on a personal high with nine wickets in the fourth Test.
Respected commentator Damien Fleming said Lyon should prepare for the Ashes by studying his opposite number, Swann.
“He came through beautifully in India I thought,” Fleming said.
“it won’t (hurt) Nathan to see the way Swann goes about it. He’s a really traditional offie he doesn’t really have a doosra but he’s been a fantastic success.”