Australia's merry-go-round of spin bowlers may be about to slow down.
SCOREBOARD
AUSTRALIA'S merry-go-round of spin bowlers may be about to slow down, and perhaps even grind to a halt.
Before yesterday, Nathan Lyon would hardly be recognised in his adopted home town of Adelaide. He had played only five first-class matches and taken 14 wickets. He is guaranteed a few more second glances now.
There is also little chance of seeing him behind the wheel of a lawnmower at Adelaide Oval any time soon.
On an extraordinary second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in which batsmen dropped like dominoes - there were 16 casualties in all - the 23-year-old off-spinner led the tourists into a commanding position, taking five wickets, including one with his first ball in Test cricket.
Before tea, the host had been rolled for a paltry 105 in response to Australia's suddenly imposing 273. Australia then had its own issues coping with a devilish pitch but will start today at 6-115 - a lead of 283 - after captain Michael Clarke guided his team further ahead.
If yesterday was any indication, Australia might well be celebrating at its plush ocean-side hotel by mid-afternoon.
While Clarke batted sublimely for 60 in the fading light and tough conditions, producing his best display with the bat in recent memory, there could be no overshadowing Lyon. The 11th spinner used by Australia since the retirement of Shane Warne in 2007, he shone on a Galle International Stadium track that has been a batsman's worst nightmare.
He was not without company in tearing Sri Lanka to shreds. A reverse-swinging Shane Watson (3-11) ripped through the heart of the Sri Lankan order with a trio of key scalps in the space of only two overs, and another first-gamer, Trent Copeland (1-24), was also excellent.
The NSW medium-pacer captured the first wicket of a frenetic day with just the second delivery of his Test career - the victim was captain Tillakaratne Dilshan - thanks to a brilliant catch by Ricky Ponting. Later, Copeland's lovely back-handed flick from point ran out Mahela Jayawardene.
Lyon's return of 5-34 was the best debut from an Australian bowler since the 8-215 claimed by Jason Krejza in Nagpur in 2008.
''It's been one of the best days of my life,'' Lyon said. ''To be able to take five wickets on debut is pretty special.''
Lyon had a dream start, dismissing Kumar Sangakkara for 10 with his first Test delivery. It was a ripper of a ball, spinning ferociously and prompting a prodding Sangakkara to find an edge. Clarke snapped it up with a fine, low one-handed grab, and Lyon was bombarded by teammates.
''I couldn't breath in the huddle,'' Lyon said. ''I was so excited. I wouldn't say it was the perfect ball ? but I was pretty happy with it in the end.''
Lyon became only the 14th cricketer in Test history to claim a wicket with the first ball of his career, and the only Australian since Arthur Coningham in 1894-95.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What happened on Nathan Lyon's Test debut for Australia in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka?
On his Test debut at Galle, 23-year-old off-spinner Nathan Lyon took five wickets for 34 runs (5-34), including claiming Kumar Sangakkara with his very first Test delivery. His performance helped dismantle Sri Lanka on a difficult Galle pitch and put Australia in a commanding position.
How significant was Nathan Lyon's five-wicket haul (5-34) on debut?
Lyon's 5-34 was the best debut return by an Australian bowler since Jason Krejza's 8-215 in Nagpur (2008). It marked a standout start to his Test career and played a major role in Australia reducing Sri Lanka to 105 in response to Australia's 273.
Did Nathan Lyon take a wicket with his first ball in Test cricket and is that rare?
Yes. Lyon became only the 14th cricketer in Test history to take a wicket with his first ball, and he was the first Australian to do so since Arthur Coningham in 1894–95 — a notably rare achievement.
What were the match conditions at Galle and how did they affect batting?
The Galle International Stadium track was described as a batsman's worst nightmare on that day. Batsmen fell in a heap (16 casualties in all during the day), and the pitch produced significant assistance for bowlers, making batting very difficult.
Who else bowled well for Australia in that Test besides Nathan Lyon?
Shane Watson excelled with reverse swing, finishing 3-11 after ripping through Sri Lanka's order with three key wickets in two overs. Trent Copeland, another debutant, also impressed with figures of 1-24 and contributed in the field.
How experienced was Nathan Lyon in first-class cricket before his Test debut?
Before his Test debut, Nathan Lyon had played only five first-class matches and had taken 14 wickets, so his Test breakthrough came with relatively little first-class experience.
What was Australia's batting position and lead after the day described in the article?
Australia had posted 273 in their first innings. After a difficult batting session on the same pitch, they were 6 for 115 at the start of the next day, holding a lead of 283.
How did captain Michael Clarke contribute in that match alongside Lyon's bowling heroics?
Michael Clarke produced a strong batting display, scoring 60 in trying conditions and helping push Australia's total to a commanding position. He also took a fine low one-handed catch to dismiss Sangakkara off Lyon's first ball.
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