Botha believes Australia should not put Lyon’s future at risk for Warne
Former South Africa spinner Johan Botha has announced that if Australia allow legendary ‘spin king’ Shane Warne to play in this year’s back-to-back Ashes series against arch-rivals England, it could see a slide in off-spinner Nathan Lyon’s stock, especially in the future.
Warne created a media frenzy after asking Australia captain Michael Clarke if he would consider including him in the squad.
However, this is not the first time Warne has done this since his retirement in 2007, as in 2008, he told then captain Ricky Ponting to ponder over the decision of adding him to the Test team for the 2009 Ashes series.
Even though Botha has admitted that Warne possesses all the necessary qualifications to give the England batsmen a run for their money, he added that Lyon’s career would take a severe hit since he was still growing and getting accustomed to the longer format of the game.
“That is a tough one, if they go with Warne it will be just for an Ashes, it is just a for season,” News.com.au quoted Botha as saying. “The selectors would have to decide if they want to go for a once off or just stick with Nathan. He has bowled really well, got wickets in the series against South Africa and done the job that Michael Clarke has asked of him.
“The tough thing is if you go with Warnie, it will be just for one series and I am not sure if they want to go that way.”
Despite Warne being in good shape, Botha questioned whether Australia are ready to cast aside their future spinner in order to give their ‘spin king’ another shot at Ashes glory.
“I played with Warnie a year ago and he was in pretty good knick,” Botha said. “Knowing the man and his competitive streak if he got given the chance he could definitely take it.
“He still has the magic, still bowls a lot in the IPL and I am sure if you gave him a few weeks to prepare he would he would be ok. I am sure he could still do it in the Ashes.”