Australia’s off-spinner Nathan Lyon has admitted that he still feels that pressure after he succeeded Shane Warne as the country’s key spinner.
Recently, Lyon opened up on the pressure he faced when he stepped into filling in for Shane Warne. He also reflected on his comparison with Shane Warne and the challenges he was set to face.
In a casual conversation, the 36-year-old revealed the difficulties of meeting up the expectations placed on him by the media and cricket fans who are desperate for the next big spin sensation after Warne’s retirement.
Warne retired from cricket with 708 test wickets, leaving a legacy that was nearly impossible for those who followed. Lyon who made his test debut in 2011, found himself under the intense scrutiny of the nation aiming for the title “king of Spin.”
“I probably struggled with it early doors because you would be trying your hardest every game, but I feel like the media and the Australian public were asking, ‘who’s the next spinner? We need a spinner to do what Shane Warne did on the last day,'” said Lyon.
“And I’m 10 matches into my first-class career. I’m never going to be able to do what Warnie did. Warnie’s once-in-a-generation, he’s the greatest to play the game in my opinion.”
Lyon has played 129 test matches and claimed 530 wickets at an average of 30.28 admitted that despite his achievements, the comparison with Shane Warne has persisted throughout his career.
Although he feels comfortable with this, the early years were particularly tough as he grappled with trying to live up to the impossible standard set by Warne.
“All I wanted to do was make my family proud and make Shane Warne proud and just go out there and compete,” Lyon added, acknowledging the constant pressure.
Speaking about his journey, Lyon said that it took several years to understand the idea that pressure is a benefit. He explained that comparing himself to Warne, despite the challenges was a challenge to his standing in the game.
“I still feel in the shadow of Shane Warne now and I’m 129 Test matches in with 530 wickets,” Lyon remarked.
“The thing is, I’m happy with that, and I’m comfortable with that now. A lot of us felt the pressure of Shane Warne’s shadow… and it probably took me a good five, six, seven years to understand that pressure is a privilege. And if you’ve got pressure, you’re doing OK, enjoy it.”
Nathan Lyon is preparing for the biggest action during the Border Gavaskar Trophy against India next month. Recently, he provided Yashasvi Jaiswal warning for the side as the young Indian opener is fine in his test form. The first match of the BGT will be starting on November 22 at Optus Stadium.
