Nathan Lyon to captain Prime Minister’s XI

Jan.21 (CRICKETNMORE) - Cricket Australia together with the Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, have confirmed that Australian off-spinner and NSW and Sydney Sixers player, Nathan Lyon, will captain the Prime Minister’s XI against England at Manuka Oval, next month on 2 February.

Right-arm off-spin bowler Lyon was crucial in Australia’s 4-0 Magellan Ashes Series victory, playing all five Tests and taking 21 wickets at an average of 29.23.  He was also responsible for a direct hit run out in the first Test which many labelled the turning point of the series.

“It’s a tremendous honour to be selected to captain the Prime Minister’s XI and captain alongside the likes of past greats including Brett Lee, Michael Hussey and Ricky Ponting,” Lyon said.

Lyon made his Australian debut at the age of 23 in Sri Lanka in August 2011, where he took the wicket of Kumar Sangakkara with his first ball in Test cricket; finishing with figures of 5 for 34. He has now amassed 290 Test wickets which makes him Australia’s most successful off-spinner of all time.

Former Test wicket-keeper Brad Haddin will coach the PM XI for the match at Manuka Oval on February 2.

Cricket Australia also confirmed that the match will become a T20 double-header, with the ICC’s 15th-ranked Hong Kong to take on an ACT XI at Manuka Oval on the same day.

Cricket Australia Media Release

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