Nathan Lyon has outclassed Ashwin in Tests, feels Brad Hogg
Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes Nathan Lyon has overhauled Ravichandran Ashwin to become the greatest Test spinner among active players. In a Q&A session on Twitter, a fan asked Hogg to rate the best off-spinner between the two. Hogg named Lyon the best off-spinner in contemporary era of cricket. Both Ashwin and Lyon made their Test debut in 2011. Here is more.
I love the way both continue to improve: Hogg
"I feel Lyon has taken the mantle from Ashwin over the last year just as the best off spinner, but I love the way both continue to improve there games and not be complacent where they are at. #hoggytime," Hogg tweeted.
Ashwin has been India's premium spinner in Test cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin is the linchpin of Indian spin attack in the longest format. While he was used to spearhead spin bowling across formats earlier, the advent of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal has restricted him to Test cricket of late. In 71 Tests, Ashwin has claimed 365 scalps at an average of 25.43. The phenomenal tally includes best bowling figures of 140/13.
Nathan Lyon is closing in on the 400-wicket mark
Nathan has bolstered Australia's spin bowling in Test cricket ever since he made his debut. The right-hander has snapped up 390 wickets in 96 Tests at an average of 31.59. While Lyon has been a mainstay spinner in the Test format, he hasn't been able to cement his spot in the limited-overs. He has played only 29 ODIs and two T20Is so far.
Brad Hogg rated the performance of last one year
Lyon is four places above in the tally of bowlers with most Test wickets. Brad Hogg's judgement relates to the Test numbers of Lyon and Ashwin in the last one year. Since January 2019, Ashwin hasn't got much opportunity to play as India's away season was underway. He scalped 23 wickets in six Tests. Meanwhile, Lyon took 55 Test wickets from 13 matches.
