Test key: Lyon v Pietersen
Being hit for six by Kevin Pietersen may not sound like fun for a spin bowler.
But Australia’s Nathan Lyon reckons the thought of “KP” cutting loose brings a smile to his face.
Cynics could suggest on-again, off-again Test spinner Lyon would be happy just to be playing in the Ashes opener starting at the Gabba on Thursday.
However, Lyon may have the last laugh after allrounder Shane Watson stretched out to bowl in the nets for the first time as he recovers from a hamstring injury on Monday.
If Watson can bowl, Lyon is considered a lock for the Gabba Test – and firmly in the sights of English strike weapon Pietersen.
Not that Lyon is fazed.
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“I like bowling to Kevin Pietersen. It’s a great challenge,” Lyon said on Monday.
“As a cricketer I like to challenge myself.”
And Lyon may face a steep learning curve against the big-hitting Pietersen at the Gabba.
He has already accepted the fact he will be tonked by the English talisman similar to the last Ashes series, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Asked what he would think if Pietersen again hits him for six, Lyon said: “You usually get the biggest cheer of the day so hopefully it is a full house.
“But as a spin bowler you know you are going to be hit for six.
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“That doesn’t concern me one bit.
“If I get hit for six and get them out in the next over or so I win the battle, it is always about winning the battle.
“I just can’t wait to get out there.”
But other than Pietersen, it seems Lyon is not taking a particular interest in any other Englishman ahead of the first Test.
“They’re guys in blue hats. I’m not really fazed by what England are doing,” he said.
“They could be on the beach for all I care.”
Lyon held off the challenge of Victorian legspinner Fawad Ahmed to be in contention for another Test at what has become a happy hunting ground for him.
Overall his record stands at 85 wickets at 33.23 after 25 Tests but in Brisbane Lyon boasts the more impressive 11 scalps at 24.09.
And Lyon did not have to be told he would again need to conjure his Gabba form to avoid another game of spinner magical chairs in the Australian team.
“There is pressure but you have to thrive on the pressure to perform,” he said.
