Nathan Lyon wants England to follow Kevin Pietersen’s tactical advice and attack his off-spin

WHY Nathan Lyon hopes England heeds Kevin Pietersen’s advice and comes out swinging against his off-spin in Adelaide.

Australia’s Nathan Lyon appeals during the first Ashes Test and England at the Gabba. Picture: AAP/Darren England.

NATHAN Lyon has dared wounded England to follow Kevin Pietersen’s advice, target him and prove they’re not “spooked” at the form spinner’s favourite hunting ground.

Lyon has 31 wickets in six Tests at the Adelaide Oval he once curated and has had input into the formulation of the second Test pitch.

England’s 104-Test enigma Pietersen criticised the submissive first innings approach to 274-wicket off-spinner Lyon of Joe Root’s men in Brisbane.

Former England Test Cricketer Kevin Pietersen, right, has advised England captain Joe Root and his men to attack Nathan Lyon’s bowling. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Attacking Lyon is complicated by six left-handers in England’s order including inexperienced pair Mark Stoneman and Dawid Malan.

“I think if they did do that if definitely plays into my hands. I like it when opposition guys try to attack me and try to whack me out of the attack,” said Lyon. “No doubt England will come prepared and have a different plan for me compared to the first Test.”

Lyon pocketed 3/67 including Stoneman, Malan and Moeen Ali when England attempted to show some “positive intent” in its second innings.

“It provides a great challenge when guys come at you hard and hopefully you are a chance of taking some wickets,” said Lyon.

The Advertiser this week revealed an Adelaide strip with six millimetres of grass, significant thatch purchase and bounce would be ideally suited to Lyon.

England must first survive an initial onslaught from Mitch Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

Hazlewood (18) and Starc (16) have the most day-night Test wickets followed by Pakistan’s Yasir Shah (10), West Indian Devendra Bishoo (10) and Lyon (9).

“Damian Hough is one of the best curators in the world. I have had a brief look at it. I have seen these drop-in wickets that Damian produces spin and bounce a fair bit so I am pretty excited,” said Lyon. “I am looking forward to coming here, know how to bowl here.”

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Lyon has the best record for a finger-spinner in Adelaide with Ashley Mallett next-best with 25 at 26 in six Tests.

Lyon nominated Australia’s dead rubber win against South Africa in Adelaide last year which included 3/60 in the second innings as the catalyst for a golden 12 months.

“I had to prove a point I am the No. 1 spinner in Australia and needed to start playing like that,” said Lyon.

While confident, Lyon said it “wouldn’t be a walk in the park” against an Old Enemy dealing with the behavioural issues of linchpins Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow.

“If you don’t respect a team, that’s when they can come back and bite you,” Lyon said.