Australia vs India 2018-19, 2nd Test: 5 talking points from Day 2

#5 Nathan Lyon keeps things tight

A hard and green looking 22-yards at the Optus stadium meant India and Australia opted for different approaches in their bowling attack. While India went for all-out pace like they’d done earlier in the year at Johannesburg, Australia stuck to their tried and tested bowling combination of Nathan Lyon along with the three pacers.

The lack of a frontline spinner for India meant there was no plug to the run-flow in the first innings, especially when the pitch surprisingly played placidly in the first session of Day 1.

Although Lyon went wicketless on Day 2, he remained consistent throughout and hit the right spots to help keep the fast bowlers fresh. 34 runs were scored off Lyon’s 22 overs, which included 4 maidens. He was the most economical bowler of the four.

There has been a lot of talk about India not picking the frontline spinner and having a long tail. But Lyon going wicketless and the pitch coming alive on certain occasions while remaining flat on others has put the 'right choice bowling attack' matter up for debate.