Advertisement

'Give Stuart MacGill a go?': Nathan Lyon hits back at radical Shane Warne plan

australian associated press

Nathan Lyon has brushed aside Shane Warne's suggestions he should be rested to give leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson a Test debut against New Zealand at the SCG.

Warne claimed this week it would be in Australia's interest to bring Swepson into the team with the series wrapped up, even if it meant Lyon missed the Test.

‘INEXCUSABLE’: Kiwis slammed over 'disgraceful' act in Boxing Day Test

‘YOU CAN’T DO THAT’: Aussies umpire's 'embarrassing' act stuns cricket world

But Lyon isn’t having it.

"Did Warney ever want a rest and give Stuart MacGill a go? I won't be rested," Lyon said on Monday.

“I'm pretty clear on my role, my role won't change in the Australian cricket team.

"We've got the opportunity to potentially play two spinners, but I haven't been to the SCG for two months."

Nathan Lyon and Shane Warne, pictured here during the Boxing Day Test.
Nathan Lyon has responded to Shane Warne's call. Image: Getty

Lyon bowled Australia to victory on Sunday's fourth day of the second Test at the MCG, giving them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

If they win in Sydney, it will mark the first time since the 2013-14 Ashes whitewash they have won all Tests in a home summer without a loss or a draw.

It would also cap off a dominant run for the team who were trounced by India this time last year, having won every Test this season inside four days.

Warne desperate for Swepson call-up

Warne has long backed Swepson as the Queenslander has come through the state ranks.

"What an opportunity to rest a quickie with some stuff going on and India coming up," Warne told Fox Cricket earlier in the Boxing Day Test.

"It might hurt at the moment for someone to give up a Test match; Nathan Lyon or one of the quicks because it's the last Test of the summer.

"Maybe leave a batsman out and play all five; push (Tim) Paine up to No.6. Just give (Swepson) a chance and just find a spot for him.”

Mitchell Swepson, pictured here in action for Australia during a T20 against England.
Mitchell Swepson in action for Australia during a T20 against England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

The Australian legend was in the nets before play on Saturday giving advice to Swepson.

Warne said the 26-year-old was looking good and he needed to be given a go to find his feet at Test level.

"He is spinning them really well and giving them a rip. Good shape on the ball," Warne said.

"It's great to see a leg-spinner back into the squad.

Swepson was on Thursday called into the Australian squad ahead of the third and final Test.

He has 110 first-class wickets from 39 matches at an average of 35.31.

Swepson has represented Australia just once - in a Twenty20 outing against England in 2018 - but has been part of two Test tours to India and Bangladesh.