Profile
Nathan Lyon rocketed into the Australia team after a stunning debut season in the 2011 KFC Big Bash, where he was the joint highest wicket taker, collecting a handy 11 wickets from seven matches.
The former Adelaide Oval groundsmen was bowling for his grade club one week and pulling on a KFC Big Bash uniform the next. A short time later, he made his Test debut for Australia in Sri Lanka, dismissing Kumar Sangakkara off his first delivery, and taking 5 for 34 in Sri Lanka's first innings.
He was the spinner of choice throughout the 2011/12 Vodafone Test Series' and won praise for his intelligent, beguiling bowling. He patiently chipped away at the Indian batting line-up in-between barrages from quicks, keeping the run-rate low and the batsmen on their toes.
He was selected for the VB Tour of West Indies, where he took full advantage of the spin-friendly pitches, taking his second Test fiver-for in Trinidad (5-68).
To date Lyon has played 22 First Class matches, 13 of which have been Tests.
Lyon has shown a remarkable ability to adapt his game and has developed his technique considerably over the past 12 months. The future of spin bowling in Australia looks to be safe in the hands of Nathan Lyon.
