Lyon says Oz have upper hand after day 1 of second Test against Proteas

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has said that his team is happy with their position in the second Test against South Africa at Port Elizabeth, where the hosts struggled to 5-214 when bad light forced stumps seven overs early.

The bonus wickets for Australia came towards the end of the day when the recalled Dean Elgar (83) skied a slog-sweep against Lyon, who took 2-47 from 23 overs, and debutant Quinton de Kock threw his innings away against part time leg-spinner Steve Smith.

According to Sport24, Lyon hailed his side's fast bowlers, especially an accurate Peter Siddle even though the quick failed to take a wicket, saying that the energy he showed was brilliant, and adding that he is pleased with Australia's progress in the opening day of the Test.

However, Lyon admitted that the state of the pitch might make it difficult to produce a result even with the new ball, adding that it is going to be hard toil to get 20 wickets.

But Lyon said that as Test cricket is all about patience and is a mental game, he is keeping his fingers crossed that the game will go their way if they can outlast the opposition.