NEW DELHI: Paul Adams, a former South African Test cricketer, believes Australian spinner Nathan Lyon is a more "complete" bowler than his Indian counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin. Adams made this statement on Tuesday while discussing the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series between India and Australia.
Both Lyon and Ashwin are considered among the best spinners in contemporary cricket, with over 500 Test wickets each. However, Adams believes Lyon's ability to adapt to different conditions gives him an edge.
"I still think Nathan Lyon has a more complete game in terms of competing in the subcontinent and in Australia or South Africa, those types of conditions, than Ashwin," Adams was quoted as saying by PTI.
Adams, known for his unorthodox "frog in a blender" bowling action during his playing days, highlighted Lyon's ability to generate overspin as a key factor. He contrasted this with Ashwin, whose carrom ball brings a different dimension to his bowling.
Adams also commented on the absence of Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami from the upcoming series against Australia. He believes Shami's absence will be felt by the Indian team, particularly on Australian pitches.
"I think he (Shami) will be a major miss for India, given the Australian conditions," said Adams.
The former South African cricketer expects Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to play a significant role in Shami's absence, shouldering additional responsibility in the bowling department.
