Nathan Lyon takes five wickets for NSW, prepares for big bowling load in Indian Test series

Nathan Lyon revealed just how ready he is for the Test series against India after a bold start to the Sheffield Shield.

Australian spin star Nathan Lyon says he’s been “training the house down” and his efforts were on full display, snaring his 25th career first-class five-wicket haul in his first red-ball outing of the season for NSW.

He said he had “no idea” about the fitness of Test teammate Cameron Green and confirmed he was ready to shoulder any extra bowling load in the five-match Test series against India.

Lyon, who spent part of the Australian winter, during which the Test team didn’t play, bowling for Lancashire in English country cricket, snared two of the final three South Australian wickets to fall on the third day of their clash in Sydney.

The 36-year-old hadn’t played an official match since June and said he was “itching to get back playing” after finishing with first innings figures of 5-47, as SA was all out for 260, to signal his readiness for the Indian series, beginning in November in Perth.

“It’s what I love doing,” Lyon said.

“I feel like I’ve been training the house down and in a really good headspace.

Nathan Lyon took 5-48 for NSW. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

“I had (spin coach) John Davison down last week, so just ticking those boxes with a really big summer ahead.”

Lyon confirmed he would play the opening three Shield matches for the Blues to prepare for the Indian series before having a rest.

Without knowing Green’s injury status, Lyon said he was preparing to bowl a lot of overs against India, whether Green played or not.

“I’m preparing to and wanting to bowl a lot of overs, that’s what I love to do in Test cricket,” he said.

“I’ll do whatever I need for the team, Pat (Cummins) knows that. It’s a long way away, but I’ve got no idea.

“I think there’s enough depth to cover for the summer. I’m counting down the days until it comes.”

Lyon bowled 24.3 overs to start his summer campaign and said there was no limit to how much he could or would bowl.