Failing to pick up wickets the conventional way on a typical Perth track, the Kiwis decided to test the Aussie batsmen with a relentless bouncer barrage as pacer Neil Wagner led the way and troubled the middle-order including the mighty Steve Smith; and even though they ended up losing the game by almost 300 runs, they'll most likely be following the template during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne next week.
WATCH- Matthew Wade mocks Neil Wagner despite being hit on body multiple times
However, if words from off-spinner Nathan Lyon are to go by, the hosts while aware, remain unfazed of the ploy hoping to tackle it better during the second Test.
"I think you have to embrace it, it’s a challenge," AFP quoted Lyon as saying. "We were playing against the number two team in the world and they’ve had success playing the brand of cricket they’re playing at the moment."
"The Bodyline series I’m not sure, but short bowling is going to be a tactic. I’m going to cop it so it’s unfortunate I can’t dish it out so that’s why I’ve got to get the big boys to look after me."
One thing is for certain that the New Zealanders won't be following up a quality bouncer with some unnecessary sledging like others. "They’re lovely guys," Lyon added. "They don’t sledge me or anything, I’ve got no dramas with the Kiwis and there’s some world-class cricketers in that squad."
The veteran spinner is hoping for a sporting track at the MCG, the ground whose surface and status as traditional Boxing Day Test venue have been topic of debates for long. The MCG just recently had a Sheffield Shield game abandoned due to a misbehaving pitch when curator Matt Page tried to provide extra moisture to the drop-in.
"I’m always going to be on the curator’s side," Lyon himself a former Adelaide Oval groundsman said. "I’m confident there’s going to be a good wicket there."
"No doubt he’s probably had a few sleepless nights from the last week, but well prepared for a great wicket there hopefully."
Australia leads the three-match Test series 1-0.
(Inputs from AFP)
