Lyon run out could define Test: Ponting

It's only day one of potentially 25 days of Test cricket this summer, but Nathan Lyon's run out on Thursday could be a defining moment in this Magellan Ashes campaign.

That's the opinion of former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting, who says Lyon's superb direct hit to remove James Vince at The Gabba is the kind of moment that could change a Test and even an entire series.

Fielding at point, Lyon moved swiftly to his right to collect a defensive shot from Vince in one hand before throwing the stumps down at the non-striker's end to remove the right-hander for 83.

On a day where the Gabba surface offered little assistance to Australia's bowlers, Ponting says Lyon's piece of brilliance was crucial.

"That's the sort of moment in Test matches that can determine the whole series," Ponting told cricket.com.au.

"The boys work hard on their fielding for moments that might pop up like that and Nathan Lyon grabbed one today.

"It was a terrific piece of work and it could be a defining moment in this game."

One of the greatest fielders of all time, particularly when fielding at point or cover on the off-side, Ponting said Lyon's approach to the ball and throw was technically flawless.

"They had a mid-off and a point only, so what I used to do in that situation (fielding at point) was start walking towards the middle of the pitch so I would create an angle like there was an actual cover fielder in there," he said.

"(Lyon) was actually on the move when the ball was hit. He got a good bounce as well and that's the other big part about fielding in the covers; you need the ball to bounce in a certain area. It bounced up nice and low (and) he was in a good balanced throwing position.

"And when you're on the move ... if you think about where the momentum is going ... you can't start (your throw) on the stumps, you have to start it to the left-hand side of the stumps and momentum takes the ball towards the stump.

"You do that literally thousands of times every day at training for an opportunity like that to pop up, so he enjoyed that."

Lyon was a major focal point in a tempestuous Ashes build-up this week after he remarked that the Australians wanted to "end a few careers" of England's players like they had done in their 5-0 whitewash four years ago.

Ponting's said the spinner's comments were out of character, but applauded the way he has responded to the subsequent media storm.

"I don't think there's any doubt that he put more pressure on himself," Ponting said. "And I've never known Nathan to be that sort of guy who is that outward with comments like that.

"I played with a lot of players who liked to do that and when the big moments came up, they tended to stand up.

"And if you look at what he's done today, it doesn't look like it's affected him at all so good luck to him.

"He's had the most impact on the game for the Australians today. He bowled really well, he's kept things really tight, he created a chance and he picked up a run out. He's started well."

2017-18 International Fixtures:

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets

Gillette ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets

Gillette T20 INTL Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21