Former Australia National Cricket Team captain Tim Paine has admitted that Todd Murphy is a “very, very good” off-spinner. However, Paine said that the 22-year-old is not the next Nathan Lyon.
The Victoria spinner Murphy has so far represented the Aussies in 4 Test matches. He made his debut earlier this year in an away series against India. In the four matches against Rohit Sharma & Co., he bagged 14 wickets with the best bowling figures of 7/124.
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Murphy will replace Nathan Lyon in Australia’s playing XI in the remainder of the Ashes 2023. Notably, the veteran spinner Lyon has been ruled out of the entire series due to a calf injury.
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During an interaction on SEN Breakfast, Tim Paine shared his views on the young Todd Murphy. He also lauded Lyon and labeled him as one of the best bowlers of all time.
“I think he is, absolutely. Not having Garry (Lyon), it’s sad. It’s lovely watching Garry doing it all, he is one of the best bowlers of all time but what we have got is a little prodigy coming through,” Paine said.
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I am not going to say he is the next Nathan Lyon – Tim Paine on Todd Murphy
The 38-year-old said that he can’t compare Murphy to Lyon, but added that the youngster has got a great temperament.
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“I am not going to say he is the next Nathan Lyon but he is very, very good. I have played against him a little bit and I have seen him around, he is the kind of young fellow that I find in terms of temperament, he is not going to be knocked around by.”
Paine expects Murphy to step up and deliver good performances for Australia in Nathan Lyon’s absence.
“I think he will step straight into it. I think he loves it. He is very smart. He has got an old head on his body for a young guy and I think he will handle the big occasion both mentally really well and I think skill-wise we saw in India. He has got the skills to play at this level and I think he will do a good job,” he elaborated.
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Meanwhile, Australia have taken a 2-0 lead in the series after registering back-to-back wins. They will be looking to seal the series in the third Test. The third Test is set to be played from July 06 to 10 at the Headingley in Leeds.
