NEW DELHI: Australian spinner
Nathan Lyon
has hailed
New Zealand
batsman
Rachin Ravindra
as a budding "
superstar
" while expressing confidence in
Australia
's stance to clinch victory in the ongoing first
Test match
against New Zealand in Wellington.
Following Ravindra's impressive unbeaten innings of 56, guiding New Zealand to 111/3 at stumps on day three, Lyon commended the young batsman's prowess, acknowledging his potential to make significant strides in international cricket.
"Rachin seems like a really good player," Lyon remarked. "This is the first time I've bowled to him -- I watched a lot of him during the World Cup and he's going to be a superstar."
Despite Ravindra's standout performance, Lyon expressed faith in Australia's capacity to apply sustained pressure on the New Zealand batting lineup and maintain their advantageous position in the match.
"But I know if we can put pressure on them and challenge their defence for long periods of time, hopefully we can crack them," Lyon added optimistically.
Lyon, who secured two crucial wickets for 27 runs in New Zealand's second innings, underscored his pivotal role in thwarting the hosts' pursuit of the remaining 258 runs needed for victory on a pitch exhibiting turn and bounce.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's
Daryl Mitchell
, in conjunction with Ravindra, contributed to a resilient partnership worth 52 runs, offering a glimmer of hope for the home side amidst challenging batting conditions.
Reflecting on Australia's second innings, Lyon acknowledged the brilliance of New Zealand's part-time spinner
Glenn Phillips
, who amassed career-best figures of 5-45 to dismantle Australia's batting lineup.
"Glenn Phillips capitalized on the conditions, snaring career-best figures of 5-45 as Australia were bundled out for 164 in their second innings," Lyon acknowledged.
(With inputs from AFP)
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