Who Partners Nathan Lyon in India?

For the last Decade Nathan Lyon dominated the spin arena in Australia. While his dominance with spin bowling for them has it easier for Australia to pick their bowlers, they often faced challenges while going abroad, towards the subcontinent. Now, with a tour of India coming ahead, there remains a question as to who partners off-spinner Nathan Lyon. The Australians have picked three spinners, other than him and will have a debate on who gets in.

Along with off-spinner Lyon, Australia has a left-arm spinner in Ashton Agar, leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson and Todd Murphy, an uncapped 22-year-old off-spinner. In their most recent Test in Sydney, Australia went with two spinners. Going by that Test, Ashton Agar looks to be the preferred option. With his left-arm spin, he provides a variety in angle and may be able to play the roles of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. He is a decent batter as well giving Australia some more batting depth.

His numbers in the domestic season hasn’t been great though. However, with Australia seeing him as a potential support for Nathan Lyon, they got him for the Sydney Test. The emergence of Todd Murphy though brings other options. In the last season, he has been a very potent bowler, maintaining a wonderful average. Being an off-spinner though, Australia will have to debate if they want two off-spinners in the same line-up.

Considering the fewer number of left-hand batters in the Indian Team, another off-spinner may seem counterproductive. Instead, Australia may stick to the left-arm spin option and rely on the likes of Travis Head, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, if they need other options with the ball.

The Leg-Spinners role remains another question. Mitchell Swepson bowled well in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but the numbers did not back him up. He is also a touch expensive which remains a concern. A factor of leg-spinners not having a great time in India is another aspect that plays against Swepson. As a result, Australia may continue to back Agar, while Labuschagne and Steve Smith back the spin pair with their leg-spin.

In all likelihood, Ashton Agar seems to be the second option. In Australia’s last win in India back in 2017 at Pune, it was a left-arm spinner who led them to the win. Steeve O Keefe came out with an incredible performance in that Test and was brilliant throughout the series, containing the Indian batters nicely through the series. Australia now are left hoping for a similar role from Agar.