Lyon defends fellow tweaker Craig

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has leapt to the defence of New Zealand counterpart Mark Craig, saying he's not the first tweaker to find the going tough on Australian soil.

Craig has struggled in the opening two matches of the trans-Tasman series, taking six wickets at an average of 73 and conceding more than five runs an over.

He twice went wicketless in an innings in Brisbane and Perth and has figures of 6-438 across the two games.

Quick Single: Lyon says pink ball perfect for spin

In constrast, Lyon has taken seven wickets at 36 and conceded just a touch more than three runs an over.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has already assured Craig his place was not under threat for next week's third Test at the Adelaide Oval.

And with the pink ball expected to suit the spinners - evidenced by Australia toying with the idea of deploying Lyon and Steve O'Keefe in a twin-spin attack - Craig seems certain to hold his place.

Lyon said all touring spinners usually struggled with Australian pitches and backed his opposite number to bounce back.

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"A lot of spinners cop a lot of criticism when they come out here," Lyon said.

"It's not the easiest place in the world to bowl spin, especially if you haven't grown up in these conditions.

"He's a talented offspin bowler, there's no doubt about that, he gets some lovely shape on it."