(Photo by Ryan Pierse – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)
By Adam Ellis
Worcestershire have added Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon to their squad as cover for his compatriot John Hastings, who will be bound for the Australian national team come the start of the ICC Champions Trophy in June.
Lyon’s move to New Road will be his first taste of County cricket having previously represented South Australia and New South Wales in his homeland.
Director of cricket Steve Rhodes praised the work of the county in finding a replacement of Lyon’s calibre, telling the club’s official website: “The good thing for Worcestershire supporters is we have replaced a top international with another top international cricketer.
“Nathan has been mainly playing Test Match cricket for Australia and is available for Worcestershire CCC as he has not been picked for the Champions Trophy, Australia having selected a couple of batting spinners instead.
“Nathan is a very respected off spinner and we are looking forward to him joining us and replacing John for the time he is away.”
29-year-old Lyon holds the record for most wickets in Tests by an Australian finger spinner, taking 247 wickets in 67 Tests.
Should Australia progress to the final of the Champions Trophy, Lyon could feature in four County Championship games, as well as the latter stages of the Royal London One-Day Cup.
Exciting times ahead replacing the big man @johnhastings194 at @WorcsCCC during the champs trophy!! Can't wait to get over there!!!
— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) May 2, 2017
