Australia v Bangladesh second Test: Nathan Lyon set to overtake Ravi Ashwin for wickets in calendar year

NATHAN Lyon’s year to remember is best summed up by the fact he’s set to eclipse the man he set out to model his comeback on as a subcontinental spinner.

Lyon is applauded after claiming seven wickets. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

NATHAN Lyon’s year to remember is best summed up by the fact he’s set to eclipse the record of the man he set out to model his comeback on as a subcontinental spinner.

Heading into a six month stretch of six Tests in Asia, Lyon turned to Indian master and fierce foe Ravi Ashwin as the spinning action and approach he must try and mimic.

Now Lyon is on the verge of taking more wickets than all-time great-in-waiting Ashwin this calendar year, at a much lower bowling average of just 23.75.

SECURITY: Rock thrown at Australian bus

DEADLY: Lyon snares seven

Lyon is applauded after claiming seven wickets. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Lyon’s joint second best career figures of 7-94 recorded in Chittagong has taken his 2017 total to 40 scalps, just four second innings wickets shy of Ashwin and fellow Indian superstar Ravi Jadeja.

The unassuming 29-year-old has arguably out bowled Jadeja as well, taking his wickets at a far better strike rate.

Lyon is quite simply in unstoppable form at the moment, as his fourth haul of seven wickets or better in Tests pushed him even further up the all-time wicket-taking tally with 263 Test victims.

The off-spinner was heavily criticised for his performance in Sri Lanka last year, but his New Year’s resolution to be a matchwinner on turning decks has been achieved.

“I think it’s a lot to do with confidence. This is probably my sixth tour to the subcontinent area so I think leading an attack where I’ve played the most games, lead the wicket column with the bowling group, I’ve put enough pressure on myself to go out there and perform well,” he said.

“I’ve watched a lot of footage of Ashwin, who in my book is probably the No.1 spinner in the world.

“In these conditions it’s all about adapting and learning and probably putting your ego aside.

“What works for me in Australia probably doesn’t really work here in the subcontinent. In saying that it’s also my strength as well, so I can’t go too far from that.

“I have to bowl with confidence and ‘bowl ugly.’ That might be round arm for me, trying to undercut the ball a little bit more but using my stock ball as a variation.

“I think I’ve learnt a lot in the subcontinent and I’m embracing the challenge, and that’s one of the (key) things — you’ve got to want it.”

Lyon based his strategy on Ashwin’s style. Photo: Daniel Wilkins.

Lyon cleaned up two wickets on Tuesday morning to take his career average to 32, its lowest point since 2013.

Ashton Agar has reinforced why selectors chose him ahead of Steve O’Keefe for this tour with another solid performance.

Although it’s difficult to judge O’Keefe too harshly given he hasn’t bowled in months and still has a second innings to hit back.

Pat Cummins was pushed to the point of exhaustion in debilitating 45 degree heat, but appears to have got through unscathed.

SUPER SPINNERS

ASHWIN: 44 wickets; average 26.95; strike rate 58.6

JADEJA: 44 wickets; average 22.4; strike rate 53.3

LYON: 40 wickets; average 23.75; strike rate 49