5 reasons why Nathan Lyon is at par with R Ashwin

#1. Stepped up when team needed him most

One of the key reason's for Ashwin's rise to the top is his ability to rise to the occasion. The off-spinner stepped up whenever the team demanded and has delivered. The same is the case with Lyon, who has upped the ante during any crisis situation his team has been in.

After tasting a defeat in the first Test, Australia roped in the third spinner in the playing eleven in the second Test against Bangladesh. For this, they had to sacrifice on the services on the second seamer which meant Lyon had to share the new ball.

The right-arm bowler accepted the challenge and finished the inning with seven wickets. Earlier in the year, he grabbed eight wickets on the first day of the Bengaluru Test in conditions that didn't assist turn and against batsmen who are quality players of spin.

His performances in the third and the fourth innings, when the role of the spinner becomes decisive have been impressive as well. In 2017, averages a mere 18.50 in the third and the fourth innings and concedes 2.45 runs per over, the least he has given in any inning.