Nathan Lyon made his Test debut under Michael Clarke © Getty Images
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon on Saturday congratulated England for regaining the Ashes, after the tourists suffered an embarrassing defeat by an innings and 78 runs in the fourth Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Lyon remained a key figure for Australia in the bowling department, but like the others, he could not do much to prevent England from regaining the Ashes Urn. The Australians were also jolted earlier on the third day of the Test when Michael Clarke announced that he will be retiring from international cricket after the end of the Ashes 2015. Lyon made his Test debut under Clarke four years ago in 2011. ALSO READ: Michael Clarke urges fans to be patient following Ashes 2015 loss
Well played England! Congrats to @MClarke23 on a fantastic career! An absolute to pleasure to play under! #truelegend #unbelievablecaptain
— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) August 8, 2015
Lyon remained one of the most trusted personnel for Clarke, as he played in 45 out of his 46 Test matches as captain. Lyon has played 45 Tests so far, and has bagged 158 wickets to emerge as the most successful Australian off-spinner since Hugh Trumble in terms of most wickets taken. Lyon is also a handy batsman lower down the order. He is certainly not the one who would score runs but Lyon’s technique is quite impressive as far as playing the role of a nightwatchman is concerned. ALSO READ: Michael Clarke blames failure to lead from front for retirement
In the ongoing Ashes 2015, Lyon has bagged 12 wickets so far in the four Tests, with the best of 4 for 75. He was the last man to be dismissed in Australia’s innings on Saturday, chopping one onto his wickets off England bowler Mark Wood.