Australia’s search for match-winning spinner is over: Hughes
By ANITuesday, February 15, 2011
MELBOURNE - Former Test captain Kim Hughes has said that the long search for Australia’s next match-winning spinner is over, and added South Australian tweaker Nathan Lyon was the emerging star who will play Test cricket this year.
Hughes urged Cricket Australia to send Lyon to India to learn from champion Indian spinner Erapalli Prasanna.
Hughes was lavish in his praise of Lyon after closely watching the off-spinner’s 66 overs (6-200) on debut against Western Australia in Perth over the weekend.
“He’ll become a very, very important player for Australia. This kid’s perfect as far as his action goes,” The Australian quoted Hughes, as saying.
“He’s a genuine class spinner and miles in front of the others. He’s going to be a star. He’s a natural. He’s got a good temperament,” he said.
Hughes is adamant that his assessment of Lyon is no case of premature beatification.
He sought out the 23-year-old after Lyon took 4-81 in WA’s first innings, a haul that included Marcus North, Adam Voges and top scorer Luke Pomersbach.
“I said, ‘Mate, you look fantastic’. I know it’s only your first match but don’t change a thing - don’t let those coaches stuff you around. I like his attitude. He’s not up himself,” Hughes said. (ANI)
