Haddin backs 'improved' Lyon to play 'key role' in second Ashes Test

Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has said that he has high hopes for Nathan Lyon at the ground where he used to be a groundsman, at Adelaide.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Lyon, 26, toiled for one wicket on the final day against South Africa last summer as the tourists forced a draw, raising concerns about his capacity to run through rivals on last day strips.

However, Lyon turned the corner in England this winter and claimed skipper Alastair Cook and keeper Matt Prior in the visitors' second dig at the Gabba as Australia clinched victory, the report said.

Haddin said that Lyon was starting to get more confidence in what he is doing and the last game was a perfect example, adding that he is developing nicely and is confident with where he is at and the role he has in their team.

Lyon, now with 89 Test wickets, was catapulted into the Test side against Sri Lanka in August 2011 having played a season of first-class cricket for South Australia, the report added.