Lyon tears India apart with eight-wicket haul

Worcestershire will retain their quota of Australians after the county today confirmed off-spinner Nathan Lyon will replace John Hastings while the allrounder is involved in the Champions Trophy.

Lyon will head to Bristol this month as Hastings joins Australia’s ODI squad for the Champions Trophy which begins in 30 days’ time.

The 29-year-old has never played county cricket but has featured in eight Ashes Tests in England, taking 25 wickets at 30.

Lyon turns Test with inspired spell

Worcestershire director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, says it’s a "different slant" replacing the seam-bowling Hastings with an off-spinner but is confident the Australian veteran of 67 Tests can succeed at New Road.

"The good thing for Worcestershire supporters is we have replaced a top international with another top international cricketer," Rhodes said.

"Nathan has been mainly playing Test Match cricket for Australia and is available for Worcestershire CCC as he has not been picked for the Champions Trophy, Australia have selected a couple of batting spinners instead.

"He is the number one international spinner in Australia at the moment and just had recent success in India.

"Nathan is a very respected off spinner and we are looking forward to him joining us and replacing John for the time he is away."

— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) May 2, 2017

Lyon will be the latest Australian to play for Worcestershire, following in the footsteps of Glenn McGrath, Phillip Hughes, Tom Moody, Andy Bichel and current captain Steve Smith.