"I feel like there is a big role for me to ensure that spin stays cool" - Nathan Lyon underlines his responsibility after Shane Warne's death

Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has weighed in on the need to keep spin bowling relevant and 'cool' after Shane Warne's death. The New South Wales cricketer wants to keep promoting spin bowling around the country.

Warne, statistically the greatest spinner produced by Australia, died on March 4, 2022, due to a heart attack in Thailand. The Victorian finished his international career with a staggering 708 wickets in 145 Tests at 25.41, including 37 five-wicket hauls. He still remains the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests behind Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800 scalps).

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, here's what Lyon said, as quoted by Perth Now:

"I do see the responsibility of flying the flag for the spinners around the country, there is no hiding behind that. Especially with the passing of Warnie, I feel like there is a big role for me to ensure that spin stays cool. I am not cool in any way, but if I can try and promote spin bowling and promote how great it is to be a spin bowler ... it's pretty cool."

Lyon is arguably the best off-spinner produced by Australia and has spearheaded the spin-bowling unit for a decade now. In 129 Tests, the 36-year-old has bagged 530 wickets at 30.29, including 24 five-wicket hauls.

"I am a big fan of the way he goes about it" - Nathan Lyon's big praise for Aussie leg-spinner

The seasoned Test cricketer also praised leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, pointing out the confidence in his skillset. Nathan Lyon earmarked the 22-year-old Aussie to be a superstar in the future. Lyon said in the same interview:

"What he can offer for NSW and Australia going forward is going to be nothing but amazing. I am a big fan of the way he goes about it, he is a class legspinner, he is very confident on his skill set. He's going to be a superstar of the game. I try and help him get better, and he helps me get better as well."

Nathan Lyon will be in action when New South Wales face Victoria in the Sheffield Shield 2024 fixture on Sunday. The Test stars are building up for the blockbuster five-game series against India.