Dean Jones backs 'big dog' Lyon to show 'enormous character' during winter Ashes

Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones has said he believes that spinner Nathan Lyon is ready to be a 'big dog' in the Test arena during the winter Ashes as he showed an 'enormous character' during the last Ashes series.

Australian selectors, who will announce the Australian squad on Tuesday, had opted for young left-arm orthodox Ashton Agar ahead of Lyon in the last Ashes series, although Lyon was rushed back into the side for the third Test when Agar struggled with the ball.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Jones backed Lyon as Australia's No.1 spinner and praised the way Lyon responded to being dropped by taking nine wickets at an average of 33.66, including best figures of 4-42, instead of thinking that his career had come to an end.

Stating that Lyon had shown 'enormous character' during the summer Ashes series despite being dropped initially, Jones also said that he believes Lyon bowled very well in the final three Tests of the summer series and learnt a bit about himself as well.

Jones further said that he believes that Lyon will have a good series this time as he has the necessary skills to be one of the 'big dogs' in the team.