'Nathan Lyon is a captain's dream' - Pat Cummins extols Australia's premier red-ball spinner after Edgbaston triumph

Edgbaston hosted the first Test of the Ashes and the outcome was the same as to what happened four years ago at the same venue. Australia won on both occasions, albeit in contrasting fashion. Nathan Lyon starred with the ball in the second innings of the 2019 Edgbaston Test as he picked up six wickets. This time, the Australian off-spinner contributed with the bat and helped Australia snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat.

Australia began Day 5, requiring 174 runs to go 1-0 up in the series. They had seven wickets in hand. Centurion of the first innings, Usman Khawaja, continued from his overnight score of 34 before being dismissed after scoring a patient 65.

When Australia lost their eighth wicket, they still needed 54 runs. Cummins needed someone to bat with him. Nathan Lyon came to the crease and gave his captain commendable support. The Aussies won with two wickets to spare as Cummins (44* off 73) and Lyon (16* off 28) held their nerves under pressure. With the ball, Lyon had a memorable game as he picked up four wickets in both innings, earning rich praise from his skipper.

"He’s huge, both innings he is putting down one end. He is an absolute superstar, he is calm and goes about his work. He is a captain’s dream," said Cummins in the post-match presentation about Lyon's performance in the game.

The Aussie pacer also shared the conversation he had with Lyon when he flicked a delivery for four off Stuart Broad.

"I looked at him and he walked past me, then I said, Nice shot, Gary!"

We played to our strengths: Pat Cummins

Prior to the first Test, one of the biggest talking points was how Australia would counter England's 'Bazball' approach. The World Test Champions, Australia, adopted an orthodox approach and that paid dividends for them. Cummins shared his views regarding the contrasting playing styles of the two teams and inferred that it makes for good entertainment.

"Both teams spoke about playing their styles, we played to our strengths and we don’t know which is better, but makes for good entertainment."

The second Test will be played at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground, starting June 28.