Nathan Lyon revealed he had a plan to dismiss Williamson, who fell for 9 runs, putting pressure on New Zealand’s chase of 369 runs.
Upon the dismissal of New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson on Day 3 of the first Test, Veteran Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon revealed he had outlined a plan to dismiss him. The strategy paid off as Steve Smith caught Williamson at leg-slip after the latter attempted to work the ball behind square leg.
The Australian team’s celebratory reaction suggested a pre-meditated strategy for Williamson’s wicket, who had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings. After Day 3 of the first Test between the two teams in Wellington on Saturday, Nathan Lyon said “Yeah, that was the plan. It’s nice when plans come off pretty much straight away. But I have noticed something in Kane’s batting against my bowling. So, yeah I tried to exploit that.”
When a reporter asked Lyon to share what he saw as a weakness in Williamson’s batting, the veteran shared a presumptuous answer, “There’s one Test to come, mate (smiles).”
Nathan Lyon has got a good plan going for Kane Williamson, he's just not gonna tell you about it! #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/1ewT0NQ2Vw
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 2, 2024
Lyon also praised the New Zealand bowling attack as Australia’s second innings collapsed.
“The bowlers are actually there to bowl good balls. And it’s not always the batters’ fault getting out and bowlers are allowed to come up with plans and execute and take wickets. No doubt there will be some frustration in there,” he added.
A significant score from the skipper was crucial for New Zealand’s chase of a daunting 369-run target. Williamson’s dismissal for 9 could prove to be a turning point in the match. The hosts ended the day at 111/3, with Rachin Ravindra (56*) and Daryl Mitchell (12*) at the crease. Their partnership will hold the key to New Zealand’s hopes on Day 4.
Last Updated on March 2, 2024
