The Ashes 2013-14: Nathan Lyon likely to retain his place for Perth Test

Lyon bowled with great intensity in first two Tests.

Nathan Lyon, who played a supporting role in the first two Tests, is likely to retain his place in the third Test at Perth. The weather is expected to be hot, which means there will be plenty of assistance for the pace bowlers. At the same time, the weather may also steam the fast bowlers and that is where a bowler like Lyon could prove handy for Australia.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said that even though Faulkner would be considered for the third Test, Lyon is more likely to hold his place for the Perth Test. “We’ll have to look at the wicket first and foremost, see what it’s like. If we think it warrants him [Faulkner] playing and the four quicks so be it,” Lehmann said. “But, look, it’s going to be hot weather here – it’s 35 and getting up to 40 on Monday – so we’ll probably … I think we’ll play the spinner. Again, we’ve got to work out who has pulled up fit from the last Test match, so good question. We’ll see what happens.”

Australia also has Doug Bollinger and Nathan Coulter-Nile as back-up seamers. The surface at WACA had plenty of grass on it, but it would be taken before the match. Matt Page, who is the curator for the third Test, said the grass would be taken of and the pitch would look whiter by the start of the match.

“With the weather we’re going to get – 37, 38 – it’s pretty conducive and will bake the surface and definitely help it go through better,” Page said. “I’m pretty confident there’ll be some pace and bounce. The last Shield games here have been quite good. I’m confident it will be exactly the same.”

Mitchell Johnson took five wickets against South Australia at WACA, which means he could once again expect the extra bounce from the wicket. Page also asserted that the surface could assist Mitchell Johnson even more than what he got from Shield match against South Australia.

“He only played one Shield game here – the first game of the season – and he was pretty happy with it,” Page said. “I think this one will be quicker than that one was.

“Spinning-wise you’ll get the footmarks day four, day five. You’ll get a bit of turn out of there. Spinners here normally get the bounce more than anything.”

Should Australia opt James Faulkner, Steve Smith provides the option in the spinning department. On the other hand, Shane Watson could be used as the fourth seamer if Lyon remains for the Perth Test.

Shane Watson hasn’t made an impact in the ongoing Ashes series after recovering from a hamstring injury. However Lehmann stated that he will be looking for a good show with the ball from the all-rounder Shane Watson.

“He’s been under-bowled,” added Lehmann. “He could have bowled more in the first Test, and this Test match.

“From our point of view that’s handy. But he’s an all-rounder, so we expect him to bowl more. And he’ll certainly have to in Perth if the weather is hot.”