Lyon's axing a tactical blunder by Australia: Dravid

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Mar 04 2013 | 10:55 AM IST
Former India skipper Rahul Dravid has termed Australia's decision to drop Nathan Lyon from the ongoing second Test as a "tactical blunder" and said the visting captain Michael Clarke must take some responsibility for the off-spinner's axing.
The Australian team management have come in for sharp criticism for not playing Lyon, who was dropped in favour of Xavier Doherty and Glenn Maxwell, a decision which Dravid feels could costs the tourists the ongoing second Test in Hyderabad.
"The biggest tactical blunder that Michael Clarke has to take some responsibility for is the decision not to play Nathan Lyon," Dravid told 'espncricinfo'.
"They are being too clever with their team selections. Lyon didn't run through the Indian side in Chennai but he bowled particularly well there, especially in the second innings, he looked like he was getting some confidence.
"It's never easy to come to India and bowl to some of the Indian batsmen on these kind of wickets they are so used to. By dropping Nathan Lyon, it shocked whatever confidence he gained in that Test," he said.
Dravid believes the ongoing Test is headed for an early finish if Indian spinners perform to their expectations.
He said Doherty and Maxwell are no match for the likes of Ravichndran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja.
"Their (Australia's) ability to compete in this Test match was severely compromised by the fact they didn't have any quality spinner to be able to put any pressure on India throughout the day. We're headed for a fourth-day finish," he said.
"We will see a completely different track when the Indian spinners bowl. It will be tough going for Australia ... At least in Chennai you felt they were in the contest but the first two days here they have been completely outplayed.
"The pressure the Australian spinners were able to put on was nowhere near what India will put on the Australian pair.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 04 2013 | 10:55 AM IST

Next Story