In a preview of what’s to come in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon bowled a stunning delivery to dismiss his Australia teammate Travis Head during the Sheffield Shield 2024/25 season.
Nathan Lyon dismisses Travis Head with a stunning delivery
In the second innings of South Australia, Lyon bowled a brilliant off-break that completely bamboozled Head, who was only able to score 10 runs off eight balls. Lyon came around the wicket and delivered a ball that Head thought would turn back into him. However, the delivery spun sharply away, beating the bat and crashing into the stumps, leaving the Australian batter visibly stunned.
Here’s the video:
Nathan Lyon knocks over Travis Head! #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/8qXQai4D38
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 10, 2024
Lyon’s wicket of Head was a key moment in the game and demonstrated the off-spinner’s ability to produce magic when needed. His performance in the match will undoubtedly give him confidence heading into the Test series against India, where he will be expected to lead Australia’s spin attack.
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Alex Carey and Nathan McSweeney save South Australia
While Lyon’s dismissal of Head grabbed the headlines, the match itself was a dramatic affair, with South Australia managing to pull off a hard-fought draw against New South Wales. The visitors, chasing a daunting target of 389 for victory, were in deep trouble after Lyon triggered a middle-order collapse. South Australia was reeling at 4 for 9 at one point, but thanks to brilliant centuries from Alex Carey and Nathan McSweeney, they were able to salvage the match.
Carey played a superb knock of 111 runs, while McSweeney finished unbeaten on 127. Carey and McSweeney’s partnership helped South Australia recover from a precarious position and ensured they avoided defeat.
In the first innings, New South Wales posted a strong total of 366, led by Sam Konstas’ superb knock of 152. Philippe contributed 56 runs, allowing New South Wales to take control early in the game.
In response, South Australia struggled, with Lyon’s five-wicket haul (5 for 47) restricting them to 260. Despite a gritty 90 from Carey, South Australia couldn’t match New South Wales’ first-innings total.
New South Wales declared their second innings at 282 for 6, with Konstas adding another century to his tally (105) and Moises Henriques chipping in with 52. South Australia were left needing to survive the final day, which they managed thanks to the brilliant efforts of Carey and McSweeney, who steered them to 309 for 5 at the close of play.
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