Nathan Lyon's stirring reflection on Shane Warne's legacy: 'The greatest'
Nathan Lyon's moniker as the 'GOAT' is sitting awkwardly with the spin bowler ahead of a day of tributes to Shane Warne at the Boxing Day Test.
By Nathan Lyon's own admission, this year's Boxing Day Test is an awkward time to hold the fan-appointed moniker of 'GOAT', as tributes to the late Shane Warne are prepared. Australia's most prolific Test off-spinner says it feels somewhat 'ridiculous' to have earned the label despite remaining firmly in the shadow of Warne's 708 Test wickets.
The cricket world was left in shock back in March when news broke that Warne had died of a heart attacked, aged 52, while holidaying in Thailand. Tributes poured in for the cricketing icon, culminating in an emotional public memorial at the MCG.
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Test cricket will return to Warne's home venue for the first time since the Great Southern Stand was renamed in Warne's honour during that memorial, with both Australia and South Africa planning to wear his signature floppy hat during both national anthems as a mark of respect. Lyon said it would be a special moment for both teams, with this year's Boxing Day Test carrying extra significance.
Despite affirming his status as one of Australia's premier spin bowlers in his own right, Lyon said there would only ever be on 'King of Spin'. “I’ve got the nickname of the GOAT, which is a bit ridiculous,” Lyon said.
“That’s Shane. He is the greatest. It’s going to be a very emotional Test for everyone. It’s going to be very special that this is going to be the first Test since his passing at his home ground. For us to be out in the middle with everyone else who is honouring Shane Warne, it’s going to be special.”
Lyon said much of Warne's legacy was his ability to inspire young players to test out their own ability to spin the ball, a legacy he hoped to continue. He recalled how Warne had counselled him on day four of the first Ashes Test against England back in 2019, demonstrating how to use his spin to 'control the tempo' of an innings - with Lyon going on to take six wickets in an Australian victory.
“It’s all about trying to keep the legacy alive I guess,” Lyon said. “I think it’s a massive role and massive opportunity for myself to keep the spin culture alive and well inside Australian cricket.
“Warnie was obviously the biggest (influence) you could ever imagine. Especially as a young kid growing up in Australia, all I wanted to do was be like Shane Warne. If I can keep that dream going for a lot of kids, boys and girls out there in Australian cricket, then I’m doing my role.”
Aussies lock in crucial bowling selection for Boxing Day Test
Meanwhile, fast bowler Scott Boland has retained his spot in the Test side with Josh Hazlewood electing to remain on the sidelines as he recovers from a side strain. It wasn't until Christmas Eve that Boland, who made a memorable Test debut in the corresponding fixture 12 months ago, learned he would be taking the field on Boxing Day.
Captain Pat Cummins confirmed Australia would stick with the same XI that crushed the Proteas by six wickets in just two days in the first Test at the Gabba. "We gave Joshy every chance, it just got to a stage where Joshy more than anyone else probably thought he was a bit underdone," Cummins said at the MCG on Sunday.
"It's probably the mark of the man that he himself thought, 'I don't feel quite right' and pulled himself out of selection. We talk a lot about how it's a squad mentality, and this is another great example."
Boland has taken 25 wickets in his five Tests at the miserly average of 10.36. The 33-year-old became an instant cult hero of Australian cricket when he ran through England with 6-7 at the MCG last year to secure man-of-the-match honours on debut to help Australia retain the Ashes.
Boland told reporters on Friday he remained unsure about his position in the XI, with Hazlewood - a staple of Australia's attack for almost a decade - pushing to return. Cummins said it would have been a tough call if Hazlewood had declared himself fully fit.
"There would have been part of everyone that would have felt a bit aggrieved if Scotty missed out," Cummins said.
"Here at the MCG I thought (Boland's 2021 Ashes performance) was never to be repeated and it seems like every Test match he plays he has those moments - so hopefully some more here. (It's) great to have a Victorian here. Last year, pretty much the highlight of the summer for all of us was this MCG Test and the reception Scotty got."
With AAP
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