The champion spinner batted off the questions with the perfect response.
Champion Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has batted off questions about allrounder Mitch Marsh’s fitness ahead of Friday’s crucial Test in Adelaide.
Concerns are growing over Marsh and a series of niggles, with some commentators suggesting he won’t bowl in Adelaide.
The reigning Allan Border medallist didn’t take the ball during Australia’s optional training session at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, but Lyon has scoffed at the rumours and said he had full confidence in Marsh.
“I dare say you’ll see him bowl tonight (during training),” Lyon told media on Wednesday.
“I’m not concerned about (Marsh’s) fitness, if I’m being honest.
Mitch Marsh at training on Wednesday. Credit: Seven
“He’s been brilliant for us in the games he’s come back in. He came back in in that game in Leeds during the Ashes and really dominated that one.”
But it was then a playful Lyon decided to get a little cheeky with reporters.
“So I’ve got full confidence in ‘Bison’ ... but to be honest, I’m happy to bowl his overs,” he said with a grin.
Later, when Australia’s bowling line-up came up again, Lyon again backed the allrounder.
“I honestly think we’ll see Mitch Marsh bowl,” Lyon said.
The inclusion of uncapped allrounder Beau Webster into the Australian squad has also fanned the fire over the Marsh speculation.
But on Monday, Marsh said his body was “all good”.
“I’ll be good to go. Yep, I’ll be there,” he said.
But there are still concerns over Marsh’s ability to bowl in all five matches this summer after an interrupted preparation.
For four Tests earlier in the year, Australia had the rare option of turning to two genuine allrounders to bowl overs when Cameron Green and Marsh played in the same team.
But with Green ruled out for the entire summer with a back injury, and Marsh struggling to maintain full fitness, Australia are suddenly lacking in bowling depth.
Marsh bowled 17 overs at Optus Stadium, marking his heaviest workload in any Test since 2019.
The 33-year-old’s pace noticeably dropped during India’s second innings, with Australia turning to Marnus Labuschagne to bowl crucial overs when Marsh was unable.
But the decision to use Labuschagne in Perth, first with his medium pace, then leg-spin, came under criticism.
Lyon insists Australia have the firepower in their attack, featuring Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and the recalled Scott Boland, to not need a genuine fifth bowling option.
“If I get the opportunity to bowl more overs, I’ll jump at it,” he added.
Australia will train under lights at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night, presenting Marsh with an opportunity to bowl.
Last winning a Test series after going down 1-0 back in 1997, Australia will need to create history if they are to regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
It makes the pink-ball match, starting on Friday and live and free on Seven an 7plus, arguably Australia’s most important Test under Cummins’ captaincy.
Like Alex Carey on Tuesday, Lyon was bemused by some of the commentary that followed the 295-run smashing in the opening Test.
“We’ve had a chance to reflect,” Lyon said.
“We understand that we didn’t play our best cricket in Perth and India totally outplayed us.
“But with all the other stuff it’s been quite humorous, in a way, looking at how much has been said and the reactions of so many different people after one loss.
When asked to elaborate on what he had found humorous, Lyon simply replied: “A lot”.
But the opportunity to bounce back in the first five-Test series between Australia and India in 33 years was something that excited Lyon.
“At the end of the day, we’re humans. We’re going to make mistakes,” he said.
“But if we can go out there and try and get better, try and learn along the journey, then we’re going to put ourselves in a better position coming into our next fixture.”
Australia have a perfect 7-0 record in day-night Tests at the Adelaide Oval, including beating India at the ground in 2020 when they skittled them for 36 during a famous second innings.
