Lyon bids for World Cup berth

SYDNEY: Nathan Lyon is looming as a contender for an Australian World Cup berth as the hosts consider the need for more dangerous wicket-taking options through the middle of an ODI innings.

Much as the captain Steven Smith has admitted Australia must consider following England’s unbridled batting example after their record chase at the MCG, so too has the spotlight been cast on the role of spin in the team.

Lyon has generally been considered surplus to requirements in One-Day cricket, but his combination of wicket-taking threat and economy are ramping up pressure on the incumbents Adam Zampa and Travis Head.

After a strong start to his international career, Zampa’s returns have tailed off over the past 12 months, and he was dropped for Ashton Agar during last year’s limited-overs tour of India.“It was definitely a wake-up call,” Zampa had said before Sunday’s first ODI.

“I’m really keen to get out there and show that I’ve been working on a few things. I really want to cement my spot in this team. I feel like I’m on edge a little bit at the moment and I think that’s probably a good thing.”At the same time, Lyon’s adaptability has improved appreciably, whether in Asian conditions or in terms of varying his pace and length in the shorter forms. This development was epitomised by figures of 3 for 18 for Sydney Sixers on Tuesday night, an effort that came following a one-on-one session with his longtime mentor Darren Berry.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, Lyon said he could earn his way in by strong displays in all forms.“Every opportunity you get to go out there and play cricket, whether it’s NSW, Sixers, grade cricket or for Australia in Test matches I think you’ve just got to keep going out there and performing well,” Lyon said.

“I had a really good bowl with Darren Berry actually before this game (against Melbourne Stars) to go through a few basics, and did that at the start of last year with the same corresponding game and that seemed to pay dividends last year, so hopefully I can keep going out and keep bowling well, that’s my goal.”