5 best Test bowling performances of 2019

4. Nathan Lyon (6/49 vs England, Birmingham)

Nathan Lyon showed his class in the 1st Ashes Test

Nathan Lyon has emerged as one of the best spin bowlers in the world of late. This year, it can be said with certainty that he was the best among the tweakers. His finest performance was a match-winning one in the very first Test of the Ashes series.

The English team was chasing a target of 398 runs in the fourth innings. The pitch was assisting the spinners but was certainly not a dustbowl.

Lyon, whose greatness stems from the fact that he manages to get wickets even in the most unhelpful conditions, bowled at his best to bamboozle the home team’s batsmen.

Using his potent weapons of flight, rip, drift and accuracy, Lyon the ‘GOAT’ got the ball to turn viciously and dismantle the English batting order. His wickets – bowled through the gate, edged to the wicketkeeper and slips, bat-pad catches - were all an off-spinner’s delight.

Lyon's effort was the best demonstration of spin bowling this year in the longest format.