Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has said that he is enjoying is role as the country’s frontline spinner.
Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has said that he is enjoying is role as the country’s frontline spinner.
''It's been a whirlwind, but I'm certainly enjoying it. I have to pinch myself every morning; I'm still on cloud nine at the moment. To see James Pattinson come out there (to claim five wickets on debut), was something pretty special and I'm pretty happy to be involved with it,'' Lyon told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Last week, Lyon would have required directions to get to the Gabba, having never set foot on the ground before. By early afternoon Sunday, he was on the venue's record books, with the best overall display by an Australian off-spinner at the venue.
The 24-year-old from Young, in New South Wales, claimed three wickets as the Kiwis capitulated, giving him match figures of 7-88.
Left-arm spinner Bert Ironmonger, with 9-86 against South Africa in 1931-32, is the only Australian finger spinner to have been more successful at the Gabba, with only two others - Lance Gibbs (8-170) and Erapalli Prasanna (8-218) - ahead of Lyon on the all-time list.
Lyon's return also stands up well as the eighth best by any spinner at the Gabba.
Warne holds four of those listings above him, including the first two.
A shock selection for Australia's Test tour to Sri Lanka in September, he has brought a swift end to the merry-go-round of spin bowlers used since Warne's retirement in 2007.
After six Tests, Lyon has 19 wickets at an average of 26.47.
Skipper Michael Clarke said Lyon had quickly become a focal member of the side, but warned that there could be lean experiences ahead, particularly in the coming four-Test series against India.
''He bowls with beautiful shape out of his hand and he's learning every day. He's a great guy to have around the group. His enthusiasm is something that not everyone provides in a team. I really love seeing him have success,'' said Clarke.
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