Nathan Lyon says Australia are out to ‘end careers’ of England players in the Ashes
Off-spinner believes many in the visitors’ squad remain haunted by the performances of Mitchell Starc from 2013-14 series
Australia are out to “end careers” for England players in the upcoming Ashes tests, spinner Nathan Lyon has said, pointing out how the tourists finished their last visit in disarray.
Lyon recalled the devastation caused by left-armer Mitchell Johnson in 2013-2014, when he took 37 wickets with his ferocious fast bowling as the Australians inflicted a crushing 5-0 home series defeat.
Ahead of the first test in Brisbane from Thursday, the off-spinner said many in the England squad remain haunted by Johnson’s assault, taking aim at captain Joe Root who was axed for the final test in Sydney.
“I know Root got dropped last time when he was here, so it’d be good to get him dropped again wouldn’t it? If we can start by opening up that crack, it’s pretty crucial,” Lyon said.
“There’s a lot of scars for the English guys, especially coming over here, especially when we have two guys bowling 150 kilometres [93mph], not just one now,” he added, referring to Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
