‘He’s once-in-a-generation, he’s the greatest to play the game’ – Nathan Lyon on comparisons with Shane Warne

Australia’s veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has showered praise on Shane Warne. Lyon said Warne was a once-in-a-generation player and he was the greatest to play the game. Warne used to bamboozle the opposition batters with his wizardry and he was always a step ahead of the opponent.

The veteran leg-spinner scalped 708 wickets in 145 Test matches at an impressive average of 25.42. On the other hand, Lyon is often compared with Warne as he has been Australia’s best spinner since the latter has retired.

Lyon has scalped 530 wickets in 129 Test matches at an average of 30.29 and has played a key role in Australia’s success.

“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,” Lyon told Sky Cricket.

“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 and all I want to do is make my family proud, and make Shane Warne proud and just go out there and compete,” he added.

Lyon added he still feels that he is in the shadow of the great Shane Warne despite playing 129 Test matches for Australia.

“I still feel in the shadow of Shane Warne now and I’m 129 Test matches in with 530 wickets. 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 OK, you’re doing OK, enjoy it,” Lyon said.

Lyon is going to hold the key for Australia in the five-match Test series against India.