Ashes 2013: 5th Test, Day 3 - Flops of the day

2. Nathan Lyon (1/41 in 26 overs)

Nathan Lyon of Australia looks dejected as Jonathan Trott and Joe Root of England run between the wickets during day three of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at the Kia Oval on August 23, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The 26-year old off-spinner extracted ample turn and bounce from the pitch, but managed just a solitary wicket for all his efforts. After teasing and tormenting the likes of Pietersen and Bell in the previous Test, much was expected of Lyon, but like the England captain, he, too, has failed to live up to expectations.

Lyon removed Joe Root when he got one to spin more than usual, and the batsman’s attempted sweep resulted in a top-edge to Watson. But after that, despite getting good purchase from the pitch, he was kept at bay by both Bell and Pietersen, and even by Trott to some extent.

Australia will look to their ‘tweaker’ to make early in-roads into the English middle-order. With able support from Steven Smith, Lyon should look to turn the tide of the game in his side’s favour on the morrow.