England are trying to think about how to win games rather than just being pure entertainers: Nathan Lyon

Australian star spinner Nathan Lyon has opened up on England’s gameplay in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India, in which the series was levelled 2-2 after the visitors’ six-run win on the fifth and final day of the Oval Test.

Advertisment

Speaking exclusively to The Sydney Morning Herald, Lyon asserted that England has some dangerous players in Joe Root and Ben Stokes, but they are now trying to win the games instead of just being pure entertainers.

"That's the way they're playing their cricket, which is totally fine by me. It's shaping up for one hell of a summer. I think their approach has changed a little bit. They've got some stars in their cricket side who can win games of cricket off their own back. Joe Root, Ben Stokes and these guys," Lyon told The Sydney Morning Herald.

"But it looks to me like they've totally changed their approach, and they're trying to think about how to win games of cricket rather than just being pure entertainers. And they've played some decent cricket over the last little while," Lyon added.

Advertisment

Speaking about the recent England vs India Test series, Root ended the series as the second-leading run-scorer, amassing 537 runs from nine innings at an average of 67.12 with three centuries and a half-century.

On the other hand, England skipper Ben Stokes concluded the series, accumulating 304 runs from seven innings at an average of 43.42 with one century. Moreover, he scalped 17 wickets from eight innings with the ball in hand.

Moving into the details of the Ashes record, Root accumulated 2428 runs from 65 innings at an average of 40.46 with four centuries and 18 half-centuries. Meanwhile, Stokes could score 1562 runs from 45 innings at an average of 36.32 with four centuries and eight half-centuries. Also, he pocketed 41 wickets from 31 innings.

Advertisment

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!