India vs Australia: ‘Special’ Nathan Lyon earns praise from Tendulkar

The Australian spinner equalled Sri Lanka great Muttiah Muralitharan’s record of seven Test match five-wicket hauls against India during the second Test in Perth.

Published : Dec 16, 2018 19:42 IST

To get recognition from Sachin Tendulkar is a massive honour, Nathan Lyon said after the end of the day's play.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday praised a “special” Nathan Lyon after the spinner took a record-equalling seventh Test match five-wicket haul against India, drawing level with Sri Lanka great Muttiah Muralitharan but achieving the feat in 30 innings compared to the latter’s 32.

“Australia have got a very special spinner in @NathLyon421. He has got terrific variations and uses the pace and bounce from the pitch to extract maximum value,” Tendulkar tweeted.

The 31-year-old off spinner dismissed Ajinkya Rahane on 51 before clearing up India’s tail on day three of the second Test in Perth, ensuring his side held on to a narrow first innings lead.

Lyon, who ended with five for 67 in the first innings, was pleased by Tendulkar’s praise. “That’s amazing to get something like that from Sachin Tendulkar,” he said after the end of the day’s play. “He’s obviously one of the greatest of all time to ever play the game. So, to get recognised from him it’s a massive honour.”