West Indies a happy hunting ground for Lyon
AAP
Nathan Lyon is excited by the return to a happy hunting ground for this week’s first Test against the West Indies.
The off-spinner may have only played three Tests in the Caribbean, in 2012, but it was one of his most successful tours for his country.
Lyon picked up 13 wickets as Australia claimed the series 2-0.
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Seven of those scalps came in the final Test at Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica.
So it was no surprise Lyon wore a big grin as he returned to Windsor Park for Australia’s first practice session at the venue ahead of Wednesday’s first Test.
“I really enjoyed my time here, it was a great experience,” Lyon said.
“It was my first time over here so to come back here, have fond memories, it’s really exciting.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into them.”
Lyon is on the verge of becoming Australia’s all-time leading off-spin wicket-taker.
Going into this week’s first Test against the Windies, the 27-year-old has 138 wickets from his 39 Tests, a tally for an Australian offie only bettered by Hugh Trumble.
In 32 Tests from 1890 to 1904, Trumble picked up 141 wickets at a remarkable average of 21.8.
Lyon’s average is a more humble 35.63 but his pending achievement is one to be celebrated.
Lyon made a steady if unspectacular start to this tour, with two first-innings wickets all he had to show from last week’s three-day game in Antigua against a WICB President’s XI.
His match haul of 2-125 doesn’t look great but the 27-year-old says it was a good hitout and he’s comfortable with his form.
Fawad Ahmed could make his Test debut alongside fellow spinner Nathan Lyon. Photo: Getty
“We needed a solid day in the field because a few of us had eight weeks off,” Lyon said.
“It was really good to have that long stint in the field.
“I was more worried about how they were coming out of my hand and they were coming out really well so I was quite happy.”
Lyon says his role won’t change whether he’s the sole spinner in the lineup or is picked alongside leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed.
He said uncapped 33-year-old, Pakistani-born Fawad was bowling well and he was confident the pair would work well together if both picked.
“I’ve got my role in the team and I know what that is,” Lyon said.
“No matter what the conditions turn up, I’ll try to do my role in the best possible way.
“Fawad’s been bowling really well. It’s all up to the selectors and captain I guess if they want to go with two spinners or one.”
Lyon and his Australian teammates had their first look at the pitch on Sunday and will train again on Monday and Tuesday ahead of the series opener.
Coach Darren Lehmann has already suggested a final line-up is unlikely to be named until the day of the Test to make the best read on conditions.
-AAP