England's desperation for runs proved handy for us: Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon appeals with success for the wicket of England batsman Jonny Bairstow on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test match at Durham

Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon said starving England of runs on the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test match at Durham proved to be a big virtue for the visitors, after the home side collapsed to 238/9 by the end of the day.

Forgotten spinner Lyon, who was left out of the first two Ashes Tests in favour of teenager Ashton Agar despite clinching nine wickets in New Delhi earlier this year, helped Australia get into the driver’s seat after capturing four wickets for 42 runs in his 20 overs on the opening day of the fourth Test on Friday.

A modest Lyon was quoted by DNA as saying: “Our pace bowlers bowled fantastically but we’ve been well supported in the field with David Warner and Chris Rogers running around.

“Building pressure is the way you take wickets, that’s the way you play test cricket, you’ve got to be patient. Building pressure from both ends is going to cause, hopefully, an error somewhere along the line,” he said.

Danger man Kevin Pietersen, who was Lyon’s second victim after removing Jonathan Trott from the crease, began intimidating the 25-year old off-break bowler from his very first delivery. However, the Aussie spinner had the last laugh after getting the tall Englishman caught behind the stumps, when he looked quite dodgy at 26.

“They are the challenges I love, someone taking the game to you,” said Lyon on Pietersen lofting his first delivery to wide mid-on. “That’s why we play our cricket.

“There’s no doubt he’s one of the best batters in the world. I was lucky enough to come out on top but cricket’s a funny game so I’m not saying too much,” he added.

Lyon, who was given his first break in the Ashes series at Old Trafford when asked to replace Ashton Agar, claims maintaining a spot in the Australian playing eleven is a tough task, and reveals he still has a long way to go to gain the fondness of his coach and selectors.

“I knew what I had to do to keep putting my hand up for selection and I’m happy with the way I’m bowling at the moment so I’ve just got to keep bowling well and keep contributing to the team,” he said.

“Being the number one spinner over the last couple of years, you’re the hunted so everyone wants to take your spot. Obviously that motivates you to keep getting better and better. I want to compete with the best in the world at my craft. I’ve still got a long way to go and I’ve got to keep working hard to achieve that goal,” he concluded.