Lyon in high spirits ahead of Gabba Test despite modest form of late

Sydney: Australia off spinner Nathan Lyon has said he is happy with his preparation for the first Test match against South Africa at The Gabba, in Brisbane, starting on November 9, despite displaying modest form in domestic competitions of late.

The 24-year-old has collected six wickets in the Sheffield Shield for South Australia at an average of 66.33 this season following a lackluster Australia A tour of England and notably took a battering in an interstate match at the Gabba earlier this month, but has still been named alongside four fast bowlers in the squad. Lyon has been earmarked as a possible 12th man in Brisbane but he is confident of being part of Michael Clarke`s final eleven against South Africa, believing he is not far from returning to his best. “I`ve been quite happy with the way they`ve come out,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Lyon, as saying. “I`ve been creating chances and unfortunately they haven`t been held. I love bowling there just because of the bounce … and early on day one it tends to spin a little bit with a bit of tackiness under the pitch,” he added. ANI