Former Australian cricketer Max Walker has warned Australia against opting for an all-out pace attack in the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, and backed the inclusion of Nathan Lyon, saying that Lyon 'picks himself'.
There has been speculation that Australian selectors were considering picking four quicks - and possibly all-rounder James Faulkner as a fifth pace option - with Lyon making way for added speed, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
However, Walker said that he believed that it is crucial to have a spin option as it was dangerous to move away from a tried-and-tested formula of six batsmen, a wicketkeeper, one spinner and three fast bowlers.
Stating that Lyon picked himself the same way as England off-spinner Graeme Swann, Walker said that as he is wary of Australia going with in with an all-pace attack, he would advise them to add Lyon to their ranks as he can be a match-winner, especially if the ground is a bit dry.
According to Walker, Lyon has pleased him by the way he has come through and grabbed his opportunity, adding that his performances have started to stand out and he has stamped himself as the incumbent and the best spinner in the country in the past year.
Although Walker backed Australia's pace bowlers Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson and Peter Siddle, he said that he did not think that their stocks were quite to the level of past West Indies sides that featured the likes of Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Andy Roberts and Colin Croft.
Stating that West Indies took 17 years to achieve such a dynasty, Walker however, said that he would not be surprised if the Australians manage to stun their critics in the series, adding that they have a pace attack that can cause real damage to the English side.
