SYDNEY: Australian media Sunday hailed off-spinner Nathan Lyon for his match-winning performance in the first Adelaide Test against India and ranked his achievements alongside bowling great Shane Warne.
The 27-year-old claimed seven wickets in India's second innings and 12 for the match to take the home side to a thrilling triumph after Australia had set the tourists 364 runs for victory on a rollercoaster final day on Saturday.
The Test was also an emotional ride for the Australian cricketers including Lyon, who was on the field for New South Wales when South Australian batsman Phillip Hughes was hit.
Lyon marked the death of Hughes, who was fatally struck in the head by a short-pitched delivery in a domestic game last month, by running to '408' -- the young batsman's Test cap number — painted on the playing surface after taking the last wicket of the match.
Hughes' family Sunday thanked Australians and the cricket team for their support in full-page advertisements across several newspapers.
“Thank you from the Hughes family,” the text read. “Words cannot express our sorrow at Phillip's passing, but your love and support has given us great strength at this very difficult time.
“Gregory, Virginia, Jason and Megan Hughes wish to express our sincere appreciation to the people of Australia following the passing of our dearly beloved son and brother, Phillip.”
‘Career-defining match’
Sydney's Daily Telegraph said Lyon produced “the most emphatic spin bowling performance by an Australian since the retirement of the great Shane Warne” during the Test.
“In a career-defining match for the much-maligned offie, Lyon exorcised his demons from two years ago against South Africa on the same ground in a huge boost for Australia looking ahead to next year's Ashes.
“Since leg-spinning king Warne retired Australia has gone through 13 spin bowlers at Test level. The spotlight on Lyon has been huge but finally he has a performance which he can build the rest of his career on.”
The Australian daily said Lyon's heroics were a “coming of age”, and praised him for overcoming the widely held concern that he has been unable to finish off matches when needed.
“A lot of ink has been spilled on this subject and there was a lot being ordered for (Sunday's) pages if things had not turned out as they did,” the newspaper said. “Lyon had found his moment and a bit of luck.”
Lyon's persistence against the Indian batsmen and umpires also drew comparisons to the late, great South Australian off-spinner George Giffen.
“Lyon's match figures of 12-286 off 70.1 overs were a perfect replica of a Giffen performance,” Melbourne's The Age wrote.
“Graciously, Lyon complimented umpire Erasmus and explained, 'I just had to keep asking the question.' Eventually, he got his answer, and cricket got the Test match it wanted. “Australia's second Test against India starts on December 17 in Brisbane.
