Australia's Nathan Lyon concerned about the future of spinners in cricket

Nathan Lyon (Pic: File Pic)

Australia's lead spinner, Nathan Lyon, is concerned about the future of spin bowling in cricket. He clarified that his concern does not stem from the fact that his place in the Australian side is not fixed.

"I do care about spin bowling, and I'm not saying this because I'm concerned about my position in the team. I know my role, I know how important spin bowling is, but there is a degree of me that's concerned about spin bowling around the world, not just Australia, with the wickets we're playing on," said Lyon, as quoted by The Sydney Herald.

He also said that spinners often miss getting their chances of bowling on day three or four wickets in Test matches because of pacers.

"If you look at spin bowling and your younger spin bowlers around the country, whether they're not getting the overs or the opportunities to bowl on day-three, day-four wickets, or spinning wickets, or even green seamers because the fast bowlers are dominating," stated the 37-year-old.

The spinner pointed out that spectators focus on the first 10 overs of the match and then the later phase of the game, however, spinners have a huge role to play in the middle, where they can change the momentum.

"Everyone focuses on the first 10 overs of a game and then usually the last couple of overs and how to win a game. But there's a big part of the game where it can be quite hard to create chances or change the momentum of the game, and I feel like spin bowlers have the opportunity to do that. So I'm always going to fight for spin bowlers, and that's my biggest concern," concluded the New South Wales-born cricketer.

So far, Lyon has represented the 'Baggy Greens' in 139 Test matches and has claimed 562 wickets. His best bowling figures in the traditional format are eight wickets for 50 runs. With the willow, he has accumulated 1,638 runs with a top score of 47 runs.

He will now gear up to lead the Australian spin attack against arch rivals England, ahead of The Ashes.

(With ANI Inputs)