‘I’m not here to take Hartley’s spot, I’m here to bowl in tandem with him’ - Nathan Lyon after joining Lancashire

Despite not having much experience, England backed Tom Hartley for the five-match Test series against India. The 24-year-old picked up 22 wickets in the series and finished as the second-leading wicket-taker, just behind the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin. Right after the series, England red-ball coach Brendon McCullum opined that Lancashire should give him more opportunities in the County Championship to groom him for the future.

However, the county slub signed legendary spinner Nathan Lyon, which could limit Hartley’s opportunities in the playing XI. However, the Australia international clarified that he didn’t sign for Lancashire to put Hartley on the waiting list but to bowl in tandem with the young Englishman. Lyon mentioned that he watched Hartley very closely during the series against India and stated that the off-spinner has a big future ahead of him.

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“I was glued to that (India vs England) Test series. To see Tom go over there, make his debut and play the five Test matches, I actually watched it quite closely. He’s a talent, he’s only 24 and to see what he does, what I believe he can get better at, he’s got a big future ahead of him which is exciting for England cricket and world cricket as well,” Lyon was quoted as saying by The Cricket Paper.

“I know what Baz has come out and said in the media, and that’s all well and good – but I’m not here to take Tom’s spot. I’m here to bowl in tandem with Tom,” he added.

Lyon opens up on pairing with James Anderson

Lyon added that the opportunity to play alongside James Anderson was one of the main reasons behind him signing for Lancashire. The 36-year-old added that he’s one of the greatest pacers of all time and he is eager to share the dressing room with him.

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“That would be pretty amazing. I’d be lying if I said that opportunity coming around wasn’t a big part of the reason I signed. He’s one of the greatest, if not the greatest, fast bowler to have played the game. I’ve had some incredible battles against him. I admire his skill, there’s nothing but respect from my end,” Lyon added.