Criticised for having a poor technique in the build-up to Australia's second Test against the West Indies, Nathan Lyon has responded with a 5-wicket haul.
Even if he didn't hear his critics, Nathan Lyon's display on the third evening of the second Test against the West Indies gave them a loud and clear response.
The lanky Australian off-spinner, criticised over flaws in his technique in the build-up to the game in Trinidad, ripped through the Windies batting line-up in a devastating nine-over spell at Queen's Park Oval.
Lyon claimed 5-16, including the prized wicket of Windies veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul for 94, to take his second Test five-for and leave Australia in a good position to push on for a series-clinching win in the Caribbean.
Former Australian fast bowler Geoff Lawson and legendary West Indian off-spinner Lance Gibbs had both questioned the 24-year-old's technique following the first Test.
But Lyon said he had no knowledge of those comments and doesn't believe anything is wrong with how he's bowling at the moment.
"Everyone's got their different opinion," Lyon said.
"I'm not interested in what Geoff Lawson has to say, really. I'm working with my coaches and my close people I talk to and trust, I didn't even know anyone was talking about my technique.
"I'm happy with the way the ball's coming out. I always look to having ways to improve but quite happy. I've got no need to complain at all." Lyon's 5-68 is the second-best return in his 12 Test career after his astonishing 5-34 on debut against Sri Lanka in Galle last year.
Back then Lyon completed his five-for with a caught and bowled and proceeded to run around the pitch in sheer delight.
Now, after establishing himself as the country's premier spin bowler, his celebrations were a bit more restrained, although the haul was no less special.
"It's obviously different playing my first Test match and being able to grab five wickets but here today has been a hard toil for the whole Australian side," Lyon said.
"I'm over the moon, even though I didn't run around like I did in Galle."
Lyon's haul also came in his first match alongside another specialist spinner, Michael Beer, who had remarkably opened the bowling in the Windies' innings on day two in just his second Test.
Although it's likely the pair will be separated once more by the third Test in Dominica next week as Australia reverts to a one-spinner, three-quick attack, Lyon said he had enjoyed having a fellow tweaker in the team.
"Me and Beery get on really well and we actually work with each other quite well, always asking each other for advice and so forth," he said.
"It's great fun bowling with him and playing alongside him."
