Nathan Lyon Ready to Face the Pink-ball Test
Australia spinner Nathan Lyon says a pink ball will not alter his bowling plans in the first ever day-night Test against New Zealand in Adelaide starting on November 27.
The colour of the ball will not matter for Nathan Lyon when Australia go head on with New Zealand in the first day-night Test in Adelaide from November 27. The match will be played with a pink ball.
"It's perfect, batters can't see the seam," the 28-year-old told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.
Australian players have expressed concern over the visibility and how long the ball can be used but Lyon is cool.
"It's no different to me playing red ball, pink ball or white ball. I'm not going to change my plan. It's just about getting out there and executing and being consistent."
Will the crowds love a day-night Test?
Lyon feels a day-night Test might be a good way to bring in the crowds after low turnouts in Brisbane and Perth. "I'm a big one not to mess around with Test cricket but it's going ahead. It's exciting times and I think it's already been sold out for day one and day two," he said.
"So to play in front of a packed crowd at Adelaide is pretty special and I'm definitely looking forward to playing the pink-ball Test," the off-spinner added.
Back in 2014, Lyon was the star for Australia as he took 12 wickets in the Adelaide Test to bowl them to victory over India. He is confident that two spinners could be enough to see off New Zealand.
Left-armer Steve O'Keefe has found a place in the Australian squad, meaning the hosts have the option of a two-spin attack.
"It's good to see Steve O'Keefe get the nod there and it's up to the captain and selectors to see what we go for. I'm pretty confident that if there are two spinners in the side then we can get the job done for Australia," he added.
Australia cannot lose the series as they currently lead 1-0 having won the Brisbane Test by 208 runs.
(With inputs from Reuters)