Nathan Lyon picks the best batters he has encountered
Nathan Lyon, Australia’s wily off-spinner, is a titan of the modern game who often flies under the radar. Since his debut in 2011, he’s woven his magic for a staggering 124 Tests, most recently bamboozling batsmen at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground. Age is just a number for Lyon, as he continues to rack up milestones and solidify his place amongst cricket’s bowling greats. He’s more than just a wicket-taker; he’s a relentless strategist, a master of deception, and a true artist with the ball. In a world obsessed with pace and flash, Lyon reminds us that guile and craft can reign supreme. He’s a testament to the enduring power of spin, and his legacy deserves to be etched in the annals of cricketing history.
Nathan Lyon’s magic touch reached legendary heights during the recent Perth Test against Pakistan. With a perfectly spun delivery, he trapped Faheem Ashraf’s leg before wicket, etching his name into the history books as the 8th bowler ever to reach 500 Test wickets.
In the afterglow of achieving 500 Test wickets, a visibly humbled Nathan Lyon said that it was surreal to see his name alongside some of the greatest to have played the game: “I still pinch myself when I see my name next to those guys,” he said. To be nestled amongst legends like Shane Warne, James Anderson, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Anil Kumble left him awestruck, even in this moment of personal triumph. In Lyon’s eyes, the 500 wasn’t just a number; it was a bridge connecting him to genuine cricketing legends.
His best competitors
Nathan Lyon, Australia’s spin bowling maestro, has faced off against some of the all-time greats during his illustrious Test career. But who stands out as the most challenging batsman he’s ever encountered? In a recent video, Lyon revealed his top three picks: Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and AB de Villiers. He admitted that it was tough to choose just one but said that the three of them were the best of the lot.
“That’s a very hard question. I’ve played against some of the greats of the game. I’ll give you the top 3. It will be Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and AB de Villiers,” he said.
