Lyon defends Craig: It’s tough to spin in Oz

Australia

New Zealand spinner Mark Craig has not had the most successful Test series in Australia, going for plenty of runs in the first two Tests, but Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon says that's not unusual.

Lyon defended his fellow tweaker, saying that spin bowling in Australia was often a hiding to nothing, and that most people who are not from Australia have a tough time of it, especially if the deck doesn't help.

Lyon said of the criticism towards Craig, who is averaging more than 70 in the series: "A lot of spinners cop a lot of criticism when they come out here.

"It's not the easiest place in the world to bowl spin, especially if you haven't grown up in these conditions.

"He's a talented offspin bowler, there's no doubt about that, he gets some lovely shape on it."

The third and final Test will be played under lights in Adelaide, the first ever day-night Test, and the track is expected to take spin, with the hosts considering adding a second spinner, Steve O'Keefe, to the side.

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