SOK backs Lyon to shine against SA
Australia spinner Steve O’Keefe will not be part of the third Test against South Africa due to injury, but feels Nathan Lyon is perfectly capable.
Lyon was one of only six players to keep their place after losing in Hobart, with O’Keefe picking up a calf injury this week, ruling him out of contention.
The selectors dropped five players and called up four uncapped names, and Lyon could have been one of the dropped if not for O’Keefe’s bad luck.
But the spinner feels the veteran tweaker is the right man for the job in the day-night Test, as the Aussies look to avoid a series whitewash.
O’Keefe said on the CA website: “I still think the ball is coming out of his (Lyon’s) hand really, really nicely.
“I know other people may think otherwise, but he’s still bowling beautifully.
“He’s down a bit of luck but he’s bowled at Perth and Hobart, which I don’t think really offered him too much.
“Hopefully he can keep punching out the same stuff with a bit more luck and get a little bit more confidence heading into Adelaide.”
The Test starts on 24 November, and will be the Proteas first pink ball Test, and The Aussies’ second.
Latest
-
NewsOlly Stone hopes to play a role in an England pace trio during this year’s Ashes
Stone hopes to play a role this summer along with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
-
NewsOlly Stone ready for whatever role is required to make England World Cup squad
‘Any way in the England team, I’ll snap someone’s hand off,’ said Stone.
-
Women's CricketDane van Niekerk ‘absolutely broken’ to miss World Cup over fitness standards
The South Africa captain was unable to complete a two-kilometre run in the minimum required time.
-
EnglandRun of defeats has not damaged England’s confidence, insists Moeen Ali
The all-rounder is confident England will be in good shape for the defence of their World Cup crown.
-
County CricketLancashire sign New Zealand pair Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme
The all-rounders will be available to play in the LV= Insurance County Championship and Vitality T20 Blast throughout the season.
-
EnglandJos Buttler admits he needs to find his rhythm as England lose to South Africa
The hosts won the second ODI by five wickets to clinch the series in Bloemfontein.
-
South AfricaTemba Bavuma hits hundred as South Africa secure ODI series win over England
The Proteas chased down 343 at Bloemfontein to go 2-0 up in the three-match series.
-
EnglandJos Buttler and Harry Brook give England hope of levelling ODI series
England reached 342 for seven against South Africa, with Buttler making 94 and Brook 80.
-
EnglandJason Roy was never ready to ‘roll over’ despite year of setbacks and low points
Roy has for so long been England’s pacesetter at the top of the order but lost his place in the side.
-
EnglandEngland batter Jason Roy emotional after return to form in South Africa defeat
Roy’s slump with the bat led to him being dropped ahead of England’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign last year.