Aus vs NZ: Nathan Lyon likens himself with Shane Warne ahead of New Year's Test in Sydney

Australian cricketer Nathan Lyon on Sunday seemed unimpressed with one of bowling legend Shane Warne’s recent suggestions surrounding. During 2nd Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between Australia and New Zealand, Warne had said on commentary that he would t mind seeing Lyon rested for final Test of 3-match series at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in favour of giving a game to rookie leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson. former Australian star has repeatedly advocated Swepson's inclusion in Australian Test team in past. Australia wrapped up series and have an unassailable 2-0 lead, following a 247-run win in Melbourne.

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Aus vs NZ: Nathan Lyon's stinging reply to Shane Warne 

Shane Warne had fallen out of favour with former captain Steve Waugh when he was dropped for Stuart MacGill and Colin Miller to play two spinners in 1999 Frank Worrell Trophy series in Caribbean. Warne and MacGill were also kwn to t be in best of relations. Perhaps, making a veiled reference to those circumstances, Lyon questioned wher Warne himself would have ever asked for rest in order to give MacGill a place in Australian Test side. 

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Swepson is likely to play in this week’s third Test against New Zealand, particularly if SCG wicket is expected to turn. Queensland leg-spinner is most likely to don  Baggy Green if selectors opt to go with two spinners, as y had done in Sydney during 2017 New Year’s Test against Pakistan. Lyon clarified he would embrace chance to play alongside a frontline leg spinner for first time in his Test career but he had interest in sitting out for 26-year-old.

He added that he hadn't met any Australian cricketer yet who would like to be rested. Lyon concluded that although it was hard to play Test cricket but it was pretty rewarding as well and any opportunity to play for Australia meant  world to its players, even if match is inconsequential to a series. Australia are ranked second in World Test Championship table with 256 points behind table-toppers India, who are at 360 points.

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Swepson toured alongside Lyon to India and Bangladesh in 2017 and can w make a strong case for becoming  country’s second-choice spinner. He trained with team in Melbourne and since n has taken 12 wickets at 26.58 in Sheffield Shield this year. third Test between Australia and New Zealand commences on Friday, January 3 at Sydney. 

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